Families of victims of the anti-drug campaign expressed hope ahead of the expected ruling by the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on former president Rodrigo Duterte’s jurisdiction challenge, following the conclusion of the confirmation of charges proceedings, on April 22.
In an exclusive interview, Sheerah Escudero, sister of 18-year-old victim Ephraim Escudero, said families are anticipating a decision that could move the case forward to trial.
“Ngayon po na tapos na ang confirmation of charges at desisyon [na] lang ang hinihintay. Hopeful kaming mga families ng victim na mag-push ito to trial at soon ay mag-lead sa conviction ni Duterte,” Escudero said.
“Alam namin na maraming taon pa ang gugugulin, even if matuloy nga po ito sa trial may halong saya na finally natapos na ang confirmation of charges, kahit papaano nakahinga kami ng maluwag na natapos ito at finally nabasa na ang charges sa kanya. At the same time syempre may kaba kasi nasa judges naman talaga ‘yung desisyon wala sa aming mga pamilya ng biktima, wala rin sa prosecution ‘yung desisyon so kahit kami ay naghihintay rin sa kung ano yung magiging desisyon ng ICC tungkol sa confirmation of charges ni Duterte,” she added.
Escudero recounted that her brother Ephraim went missing along with neighbor Ronnie Pionilla, 52, in San Pedro, Laguna, on September 19, 2017. Two days later, Ephraim’s body was found in Angeles City, Pampanga, with his face wrapped in packaging tape and gunshot wounds to the head. Pionilla’s body was discovered about 10 kilometers away in Porac, Pampanga.
Reflecting on recent developments at the ICC, Escudero expressed gratitude for what she described as a “demonstration of due process.“
“Grateful ako sa ICC kasi pinakita nila ‘yung itsura ng due process na hindi natin nararanasan dito sa Pilipinas. Ito yung itsura ng due process na ipinagkait sa mga families ng victim pero mapalad si Duterte at naranasan niya 'yun,” she said.
She also welcomed the role of legal representatives during the hearings, saying they effectively conveyed the experiences and demands of victims.
“We’re very satisfied ang very grateful kung paano nila nirepresent ‘yung victims and families ng victims. Para sa amin, talagang napakinggan ‘yung mga karanasan namin, yung mga hinaing namin. Maayos po nilang na-retell yung stories namin na sila yung tumindig on behalf of us,” she said.
“'Yung mga sinabi po ng mga representatives ng victim doon para sa amin is na-echo nila kung ano yung panawagan namin. At through them, mas narinig po kami at mas napakinggan pa; kasi without those legal representatives, napakahirap po sa mga pamilya ng biktima lalo na’t napakaraming may agam-agam pa na magsalita at the same time marami ding mga nanay na buong tapang na nagsasalita," she added.
She further shared that life has profoundly changed since losing their loved ones, saying, "Things have never been the same." She acknowledged that the legal process may take years but described a sense of relief after the charges were formally presented.
Escudero noted that families continue to grapple with trauma and grief while also facing the challenges of participating in legal proceedings. She said having legal representatives helped ease the burden, especially for those hesitant to speak publicly.
As the case against the former president moves forward, they described this as another difficult chapter in their lives. Despite the challenges, they emphasized the importance of facing the public and expressed gratitude that representatives of the victims’ families are present in court to share their experiences and the ongoing impact of their loss as the proceedings continue.
As the ICC deliberates, Escudero said families are preparing themselves for any outcome.
“Sa ngayon, naghahanda ‘yung families mentally and emotionally kung ano ang magiging desisyon ng ICC tungkol sa confirmation of charges. And kung sakali man na magpupush through trial ito, handa ulit kaming humarap, at magsalita at magpahayag ng mga saloobin namin at we are very willing to participate kung ano man po ‘yung kakailanganin ng ICC sa mga victims families,” she said.
She maintained that the evidence against Duterte is strong, citing personal accounts as proof of the alleged killings.
“Para sa aming mga families ng victims, matibay ang ebidensya at ito kami mga totoong tao na patunay na may patayan talagang nangyari sa ilalim ng drug war ni Duterte, na totoong namatay ang mga kaanak namin, totoong namatayan kami at malinaw sa amin na konektado ito sa utos ni Duterte na malawakang pagpatay sa ilalim ng drug war niya,” she said.
Escudero also pointed to similarities between her brother’s death and alleged patterns in the so-called “Davao model,” including victims being found with tape-wrapped faces.
“‘Yung pagkamatay ni Ephraim kung saan siya nakita na nakabalot ng packaging tape sa Pampanga, kapareha ito doon sa Davao model na inimplement ni Duterte nationwide. ‘Yung found dead at wrapped with tape isa lang ito sa mga modus operandi sa ilalim ng drug war ni Duterte,“ she emphasized.
In a message to the public, she thanked supporters who continue to stand with victims’ families.
“Alam po namin na mahaba pa ‘yung laban at it might take years bago mapanagot si Duterte, pero salamat po sa patuloy na pagsubaybay sa story namin, patuloy na pagkukuwento rin sa kapwa nating Pilipino kung ano ang tunay na nangyari dito sa Pilipinas,” she said.
She also called for continued advocacy for human rights and accountability, expressing hope that such incidents would not be repeated in the future.
Duterte is facing allegations of crimes against humanity, including murder and attempted murder, in connection with a widespread and systematic campaign against civilians from November 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019, linked to the government’s anti-drug operations.
