Former President Rodrigo Duterte is set to face the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber today, March 14, for the first time, marking a historic step toward accountability for the thousands of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) under his bloody “war on drugs.” The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) has called for nationwide and international mass actions to demand justice for Duterte’s victims and expose the continued human rights violations under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Duterte’s initial appearance before the ICC is part of the due process to formally inform him of the charges of crimes against humanity for murder and his rights under ICC procedures. The Pre-Trial Chamber is expected to schedule a confirmation of charges hearing following today’s appearance. Discussions on Duterte’s potential interim release may also arise, but this is unprecedented given the gravity of the charges.

“This is a significant step toward justice for the victims of Duterte’s drug war and persiting State violence,” said Danilo Ramos, chairperson of KMP and Makabayan senatorial candidate. “Hindi tayo dapat magpakampante. Duterte may be facing international justice, but human rights abuses and violations of International Humanitarian Laws continue under the Marcos presidency.”

In response to Duterte’s ICC appearance, national democratic alliance BAYAN is organizing mass protests to demand justice and accountability. The group calls on its members, allies, and the public to gather at Katipunan and UP-Manila Taft Avenue at 5PM today. Protesters are urged to bring placards, noise-making instruments, and candles. Simultaneous protests are also planned in Europe outside the ICC headquarters in The Hague and by Filipino communities in the United States and Canada.

“Habang humaharap si Duterte sa ICC, hindi natin pwedeng kalimutan ang mga kasapakat niya sa mga krimen — pati na ang kasalukuyang rehimeng Marcos Jr. — ay dapat ring singilin at panagutin,” Ramos emphasized.

KMP stressed that Duterte’s ICC trial highlights the failure of the Philippine justice system to hold powerful figures accountable and far from being a sovereignty issue as claimed by Duterte’s supporters. Ramos underscored that Duterte is not a victim but an incorrigible tyrant who abused his authority as President and manipulated domestic legal institutions to shield himself from accountability.

“The issue here is not sovereignty but the failure of the Philippine justice system to deliver justice. Duterte and his allies have long influenced the courts and law enforcement to avoid accountability. That is why the victims’ families were forced to seek justice through the ICC,” Ramos said.

Duterte’s ICC appearance will be live streamed on the ICC’s YouTube channel at 9 PM (PH time). BAYAN and KMP are urging the public to organize watch parties and gatherings among victims’ families, human rights advocates, and the legal community.

“Dapat gamitin natin ang pagkakataong ito para palakasin ang panawagan para sa hustisya at pananagutan,” Ramos said. “Panahon na para makuha ng mga biktima at ng kanilang mga pamilya ang hustisyang matagal nang ipinagkait sa kanila.”

KMP maintains that Duterte’s ICC trial is a significant step, but true justice requires dismantling the violent state apparatus that continues to oppress the Filipino people. This includes the abolition of the NTF-ELCAC, repeal of the Anti-Terror Law, and an end to militarization in rural areas.

“Hindi tayo titigil hangga’t hindi natatapos ang mga paglabag sa karapatang pantao at nagkakaroon ng tunay na katarungan at pagbabago sa ating bayan,” Ramos said.

The peasant group reiterated that Duterte’s ICC trial is not only about accountability for the drug war killings but also about dismantling the broader culture of impunity and violence that persists under Marcos Jr.’s administration.

Despite Duterte’s ICC case, state-sponsored violence and repression continue under Marcos Jr. Latest data from human rights group KARAPATAN reveal the alarming scale of human rights abuses. There have been 119 extrajudicial killings targeting activists and civilians, and 255 illegal or arbitrary arrests weaponizing the justice system to silence dissent. At least 14 enforced disappearances have been documented, with individuals abducted and unaccounted for.

State forces have also pressured at least 560 individuals into forced or fake surrenders, falsely admitting links to insurgency. There have been 63,380 incidents of indiscriminate firing and 46,921 cases of indiscriminate bombings, largely affecting rural communities. This has resulted in 43,582 forced evacuations as communities flee intense militarization. Psychological and physical intimidation tactics by state forces remain widespread, with 3,706,431 cases of threats, harassment, and intimidation recorded.

“These numbers reflect the ongoing state of impunity in the Philippines,” Ramos said. “Habang hinaharap ni Duterte ang kanyang mga krimen sa ICC, patuloy ang mga paglabag sa karapatang pantao sa ilalim ng rehimeng Marcos Jr,” the Makabayan senatorial candidate concluded. ###