The KMP lauds the recent denial of Rodrigo Duterte’s bid for interim release by the International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber. The court recognized the gravity of the crimes he is accused of, the real and persistent risks to witnesses, and Duterte’s notorious capacity to obstruct justice through intimidation, disinformation, and political influence. This ruling is a decisive step in ensuring that accountability cannot be evaded by those who once wielded state power with brutality and impunity.

This denial sends a message: impunity can be beaten, and can no longer hide under false pretense. The ruling is one of the first steps to pursue truth, accountability, and justice for all the victims of state terror under Duterte– especially the grieving families of slain farmers, peasant organizers, and extra-judicial killing (EJK) victims.

In light of this ruling, we honour the memory of Randall Echanis and all the farmers, activists, and the masses who bore the cost of Duterte’s reign of terror. Echanis, a steadfast peasant leader, NDFP peace consultant, and former chairperson of Anakpawis Partylist, paid with his life for fighting for land rights and social justice. His death, and that of countless others, remains a wound in the heart of the peasant masses and the entire Filipino people. Five years have passed since his brutal killing, but no justice has been served.

Under the banner of “Massacre King,” the peasant movement has exposed how former president Rodrigo Duterte oversaw a brutal escalation of violence against farmers and land rights defenders across the country. The Duterte regime documented at least 22 massacres with over 100 peasant victims– many of whom were killed by state forces, private armies, and hired goons amid land conflicts and militarization.

On November 30, farmers, and human rights defenders will once again raise their voices in unison, joining Baha Sa Luneta 2.0 at Luneta, refusing to let fascism and state terror be normalized under a corrupt and violent system. The peasantry and all advocates of justice will continue to demand accountability, challenge tyranny, and fight for a future where no farmer is killed, and no life is spared for defending their land and rights.