Families of the victims of the “war on drugs” under former President Rodrigo Duterte have expressed relief and hope following the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) authorization to allow 500 more applicants to participate as victims in the ongoing proceedings, according to a report by RH Val Gonzales on Rapido Hataw Balita.
At a press conference in Quezon City, the advocacy group Rise Up for Life and for Rights described the Pre-Trial Chamber’s February 2026 decision to admit additional victims as a significant step forward in their long struggle for justice.
The group also condemned a recent move by Duterte’s ICC lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, seeking to disqualify the external legal representatives of the victims — Joel Butuyan, Gilbert Andres, and Nicolene Arcaina, where they called the request “a clear attempt to obstruct ICC proceedings.”
ICC Assistant to Counsel, Atty. Kristina Conti clarified at the conference that the confirmation of charges hearing is not yet a trial, but all three counts of crimes against humanity, specifically murder, will be discussed during the hearing.
Initially, the ICC recognized 49 victims to participate in the proceedings. With the Pre-Trial Chamber’s February 13, 2026 decision, 500 additional applicants have now been authorized. The group also welcomed the release of a public, less-redacted document containing the charges (DCC), which names Duterte’s alleged co-perpetrators in the crimes against humanity.
Rise Up for Life and for Rights expressed hope that the confirmation of charges in Duterte’s case before the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands, will proceed as scheduled on Monday, February 23, 2026.
Families of victims reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing justice for their loved ones. Jane Lee noted, “We have known their names and faces as Duterte’s cohorts, but the ICC naming them feels like a gentle pat on our shoulders, as we grieve for our loved ones.”
Dahlia Cuartero, mother of Jesus Cuartero III, added, “My son was maligned as a drug user and criminal. I and other families have been called many names as we fight for justice. Today, we have seen and read the names of the real culprits – they who have blood on their hands for implementing a deadly policy. The world ought to know who they are.”
The decision marks a meaningful moment for families seeking accountability in a case that has drawn global attention for its alleged human rights violations.
