Why Duterte's ICC Hearings Bring 'Joy' to Victims' Families

In a small conference room in Manila, Jocelina Arasamano stared at a screen broadcasting from The Hague. Watching her former president face charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court, she described her feelings as "overwhelming joy." For anyone wondering how a grieving community volunteer could feel joy while watching such proceedings, the answer lies in understanding what the past seven years have meant for ordinary Filipinos.

The Numbers Behind the 'War on Drugs'

Duterte's anti-drug campaign ran from 2016 to 2022, officially claiming 6,200 lives. Human rights groups estimate the real toll reached 30,000 deaths. But these aren't just statistics—they represent families like Arasamano's community, where local volunteers became targets simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

ICC prosecutors argued this week that Duterte was "in control" of the drug war, meaning it wasn't random violence but a systematic campaign. This distinction matters legally: it's the difference between individual crimes and state-sponsored terror.

Why 'Joy' Isn't About Revenge

The word "joy" might seem jarring when discussing mass killings. But for families who've lived in fear and silence for seven years, seeing their former president in an international courtroom represents something profound: validation that their suffering wasn't invisible.

Under Duterte's rule, criticizing the drug war was dangerous. Journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens faced threats for questioning the campaign. The ICC's involvement offers these communities something they've lacked: a platform where their voices can't be silenced by political pressure.

Yet the Philippines remains deeply divided. Duterte still commands significant support, and his daughter Sara Duterte just announced her 2028 presidential bid. The country hasn't reached consensus on whether the drug war was necessary security policy or systematic human rights abuse.

The Reality Check on International Justice

Can the ICC actually deliver justice? The practical answer is complicated. Without Philippine government cooperation, the court has limited enforcement power. Duterte is unlikely to be arrested and extradited to The Hague.

But the hearings serve other purposes. They create an official record of victims' testimonies. They signal to future leaders that the international community is watching. And they provide a forum for accountability when domestic institutions fail.

Current President Marcos Jr. finds himself in a delicate position. He can't fully embrace or completely reject his predecessor's legacy without political consequences. He wants better international relations but must navigate domestic realities.

The Broader Questions

The ICC case raises fundamental questions about sovereignty versus human rights. Should international courts intervene when domestic justice systems fail? How do communities heal from systematic violence? And what happens when a significant portion of the population supported the very policies now being prosecuted?

These aren't just Philippine problems. From Myanmar to Ukraine, the world is grappling with how international law can address mass atrocities while respecting national sovereignty.