Family outraged over anti-Digong ICC rally’s misuse of relative’s image

The family of Aldrin Tangonan Jr., a University of Southern Mindanao (USM) student who was fatally shot in 2020 has strongly condemned the unauthorized use of his image in a rally at The Hague, where his death was wrongly linked to extrajudicial killings under the Duterte administration.

In a Facebook post, Aldrin’s cousin, Kessia Kerren Kate Tangonan, expressed outrage upon seeing his photo displayed at the rally, emphasizing that his murder on October 21, 2020, was not related to drugs or any government operation.

"I just want to make it clear that Aldrin M. Tangonan, who died in 2020, was not a victim of the war on drugs! He was killed by a criminal out of jealousy — he had nothing to do with any drug-related operations," Kessia wrote.

"Enough with the lies! Many of those participating in the rally are just using scripted stories…Stop using his name in your wrong narrative."

Similarly, Aldrin's sister, Kristine Tangonan, also issued a statement clarifying the circumstances of her brother’s death and appealing for respect.

"I want to make it clear that my brother, Aldrin M. Tangonan, was not a victim of the war on drugs. He was killed by a criminal out of jealousy — he was not involved in any drug-related operations. Our family has already suffered enough, and the false information spreading about his death only deepens our pain."

She urged the public to be responsible when sharing information and to honor her brother’s memory with dignity. 

Authorities previously confirmed that Aldrin Tangonan Jr. was shot by a suspect who was allegedly jealous of his female companion. His family has since found justice for his murder.

With mounting frustration, the Tangonan family is now demanding accountability from those who misrepresented his death, emphasizing that false narratives should not be used to advance political or ideological agendas at the expense of the truth.