A DEEPLY DIVISIVE LEGACY
With support from legal professionals and rights organisations, some relatives have trained as paralegals and human rights defenders to help document cases and seek accountability.
“I wanted justice for my son, so I learned all I could about human rights,” said Nanette Castillo, whose son was killed during the drug war.
“Despite my grief, I stand here as a mother, fighting for justice.”
For families attending the candlelight vigil, Duterte’s upcoming ICC trial represents a long-awaited step towards justice.
His supporters, however, see the case as politically motivated.
Duterte’s anti-drug campaign ultimately led to charges before the ICC, where his trial is set to begin on Nov 30.
Despite the charges, his popularity has endured.
Millions of Filipinos continue to view him as a leader who made the country safer.
His supporters have condemned his arrest and detention as political persecution.
They continue to back his close allies, including Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa – the drug war’s chief enforcer who also faces allegations of crimes against humanity – as well as Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte.
Her political future is also under scrutiny, with her impeachment trial in the Philippine Senate set to begin next week.
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