The camp of families of extrajudicial killing (EJK) victims expressed hope that the International Criminal Court (ICC) will reject the interim release request of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Defense lead counsel Atty. Nicholas Kaufman earlier described the denial of Duterte’s request as “erroneous,” claiming they had already filed an appeal a week prior.
Atty. Gilbert Andres, one of the legal counsels representing the victims’ families, said they are ready to present their position once the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber requests comments.
“Syempre hihingi ng answer/reply ‘yung Pre-Trial Chamber dun sa Office of the Prosecutor as well as mga victims, so nakahanda po kami magbigay ng views and concerns ng mga victims,” Andres said in an interview with DZMM on Sunday, October 12.
He noted that despite holding no official position, Duterte continues to wield significant influence in the country.
“In fact, ginawaran pa nga ng award si Mr. Duterte ng no less than the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. ‘Yung Senate Resolution No. 114 really shows na he is very influential,” Andres pointed out, referring to the Senate resolution urging the ICC to consider placing the former president under house arrest for humanitarian reasons.
Andres also disagreed with the statement of Duterte’s son, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, who described the ICC’s decision as a “gross and disgraceful miscarriage of justice” and “political theater.”
“I totally and strongly disagree with that statement. Why? Because it’s just and fair kasi may grounds naman dun sa ICC Rome Statute nasa Article 58,” Andres said, citing the provision that allows the ICC to issue warrants of arrest if there are reasonable grounds to believe the person committed crimes under its jurisdiction.
He added that it would be unlikely for Duterte to voluntarily return to the ICC if granted temporary release.
“May mga statements kasi ang Duterte family na questioning the jurisdiction of the ICC. Kaya siguro kailangang maging maingat tayo sa mga statements na niri-release natin,” he explained.
Andres reiterated that the families of EJK victims have the right to seek justice under international law, emphasizing that their pursuit of accountability remains firm.