Kin of Philippines 'drug war victims' hope for justice as ICC approves probe

[September 18, 2021]  By Adrian Portugal

MANILA (Reuters) - Families of people killed in the Philippines' war on drugs are hopeful that a formal investigation into possible crimes against humanity approved by judges from the International Criminal Court earlier this week will result in justice for the victims.

Rights groups say Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte incited deadly violence and accuse police of murdering unarmed suspects on a massive scale as part of the anti-narcotics campaign launched in 2016.

"I am grateful that our situation and the killing of my brother are being paid attention to," Mary Jane Gerangco, 40, told Reuters in Manila. "Our hope is that our family get justice and those who are at fault must be held accountable."

Gerango's younger brother was killed by police in September 2016 after being tagged as an alleged drug dealer.

The Philippine National Police issued a statement saying the accusations were repeatedly proven to be false, and that the force "neither condones nor covers up abuses and other forms of wrongdoings in our ranks."

"Our aggressive campaign against illegal drugs will continue," the office of the police spokesperson said noting a 64% fall in the drug-related crimes in the past five years.

Remains of seven Filipinos killed under Duterte's bloody war on drugs were exhumed on Friday for cremation, after leases in public cemeteries north of the capital have expired.

Authorities have killed more than 6,100 suspected drug dealers and users since Duterte took office in June 2016. Rights group say the police summarily executed suspects, which the policy deny, saying they acted out of self defence in sting operations.

Relatives of drug war victims hold photographs of their slain loved ones with placards calling for justice as they march towards the presidential Malacanang Palace during a protest to commemorate President Rodrigo Duterte's final year in office, in Manila, Philippines, June 30, 2021. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

Judges in The Hague said on Wednesday that prosecutors' materials showed the anti-drug campaign "cannot be seen as a legitimate law enforcement operation", but rather a systematic attack on civilians.

The presidential palace and police did not respond to requests for comment on Saturday. The Philippine government on Thursday said it will not cooperate with the ICC's probe, or allow any investigators into the country.

"The opening of this investigation is a way, not only to get justice but also for them to heal and get closure," Catholic priest Flavie Chalaf told Reuters after blessing the remains of the exhumed victims.

"If it is true that you are clean, why must you hide," Chalaf said, addressing Duterte's government.

(Reporting by Adrian Portugal; Writing by Neil Jerome Morales; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)

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