The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) welcomed the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) denial of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release, calling the decision an affirmation of justice for victims of the bloody drug war.

On 10 October, the ICC rejected Duterte’s plea for temporary release, ruling that his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte’s public threat “to break him out,” along with his recent election as Davao City mayor, shows that he continues to wield power and influence that could enable him to flee or obstruct justice.

Duterte’s legal team had argued for his release on humanitarian grounds, citing health issues.

“We welcome this as a decision that upholds the safety, rights, and wishes of the victims who have faced the terror of Duterte’s presidency,” said Patricia Lisson, ICHRP vice chairperson.

“This ruling is an affirmation of the victims’ assertion that Duterte is a threat to their rights and must remain behind bars until his trial is seen through to completion,” she added.

Lisson noted that the ICC pre-trial chamber’s decision “casts further doubt on the validity of the previous claims of Duterte’s camp that he is unfit for trial.”

“There should be assurance made to the victims and their families that the case moves forward swiftly until there is justice,” Lisson said.

The ICC indicted Duterte in September for crimes against humanity, including murders committed between 2013 and 2016 during his term as Davao City mayor, and from 2016 to 2018 as president.

The indictment cites the killing of 14 alleged “high-value targets” and 43 other individuals during “clearance operations” under his anti-drug campaign.

Duterte’s arrest earlier this year — executed without an Interpol Red Notice despite the claim to the contrary of the government — sent shockwaves across Philippine politics and further deepened the rift between the Marcos and Duterte camps.

The fallout between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Dutertes has been escalating since early 2024, marked by political realignments, public exchanges of criticism, and Sara Duterte’s resignation from the Cabinet.

While Marcos has maintained that his administration will not intervene in the ICC process, the Vice President has accused him of orchestrating her father’s arrest.

VP Duterte and Marcos ran under the UniTeam alliance that swept them to power in 2022, leaving both sides preparing for a possible political showdown in 2028, with her expected to run for president and Marcos acting as kingmaker to his successor.