Activists demand justice for Duterte's drug war victims

Activists gathered at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on March 24 to demand justice for victims of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war. The protesters mourned the loss of thousands of lives and called attention to ongoing human rights violations tied to the anti-drug campaign. Many demonstrators held banners displaying photos of victims of extrajudicial killings. The rally focused on the reported deaths of around 30,000 Filipinos during Duterte's presidency. Activists from groups such as Alpas Pilipinas and the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) celebrated Duterte's recent arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The protesters not only wanted justice for the victims but also called for the prosecution of Duterte's allies, including former police chief Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa. Dela Rosa supported the violent drug campaign and is currently a senator. During the rally, activists read the names of those who died in the drug war, emphasizing that they were loved individuals missed by their families. Among those commemorated was Kian delos Santos, a 17-year-old student whose death highlighted the brutality of the anti-drug operations. While the activists welcomed Duterte's arrest, they urged international organizations to remain alert and ensure accountability. They noted that despite the charges against him, Duterte still has significant support in the Philippines and among Filipino communities abroad. The demonstration in Berlin is part of global movements calling for justice, with similar protests taking place in cities like London and across the US. Human rights organizations estimate that up to 30,000 people were killed in the drug war, many from impoverished areas. Duterte's arrest marks an important step toward holding leaders accountable for state-sponsored violence. A confirmation hearing for charges of crimes against humanity is scheduled for September 23.