The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) acknowledges the issuance of an arrest warrant against former President Rodrigo R. Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC), as reported by International Criminal Police Organization or INTERPOL. In line with its Constitutional mandate, CHR has deployed investigators to monitor and assess the developments surrounding this case.

CHR underscores that due process is an integral pillar of justice—one that safeguards not only the rights of the accused but also ensures that the voices of victims are heard. A fair and impartial legal process is essential in uncovering the truth and, ultimately, holding perpetrators accountable, should guilt be established. This aligns with CHR’s long-standing call for accountability over human rights violations linked to the campaign against illegal drugs under the Duterte administration.

Since the ICC resumed its investigation into the Duterte administration’s campaign against illegal drugs, CHR has remained committed to truth and justice. This steadfast commitment reflects CHR’s role as the country’s independent national human rights institution and its duty to help ensure that allegations of human rights violations are thoroughly examined and that justice is pursued through appropriate legal processes.

While the Philippines ceased to be a State Party to the Rome Statute in 2018, CHR takes note of the government’s existing legal obligations under the INTERPOL and other international mechanisms. The country’s cooperation with international bodies serves as a measure of its adherence to the rule of law and its responsibility to uphold justice.

CHR also takes this opportunity to urge the relevant bodies to guarantee the safety and protection of the families of victims of alleged extrajudicial killings under the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign. Creating a safe and secure environment is a crucial step towards breaking the culture of fear and silence, ultimately empowering more families and witnesses to pursue justice. It is crucial to continue to ensure their protection and provide an environment where they can freely testify without fear.

The pursuit of justice cannot be stalled—every delay prolongs the suffering of those left behind. It bears repeating: the truth cannot be silenced. Accountability must prevail over impunity.

The Commission also emphasizes that accountability does not rest on one individual alone—all those who participated and were complicit in the violations must be held to account.

CHR, as the country’s independent national human rights institution, remains grounded to its Constitutional duty to monitor human rights violations, as well as to amplify the call for accountability for all perpetrators—whether state or non-state actors. ###

Read relevant materials issued by the CHR on the campaign against illegal drugs:

CHR Report on Investigated Killings in Relation to the Illegal Drug Campaign, April 2022: https://bit.ly/2022CHREJKReport

CHR Position Paper on its Participation in the Proceedings of the International Criminal Court, December 2023: bit.ly/ICCparticipationofCHR

Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the Recent Findings of the International Criminal Court (ICC), 16 December 2020, https://bit.ly/4ieFWpW

Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the QuadComm’s recommendation to file charges for anti-drug campaign EJKs, 24 December 2024, https://bit.ly/3VUjVDw