Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Job Manahan

ABS-CBN News

MANILA – Relatives of the victims of extrajudicial killings on Monday expressed their anger with former President Rodrigo Duterte, but said they were happy that his confirmation of charges finally happened after several years. Rights group iDefend Philippines earlier today mounted a gathering for the victims’ relatives so they could watch the International Criminal Court (ICC) hearing at The Hague. “Rose,” whose partner was killed by armed men in their homes in 2016, said they found hope now that the confirmation of charges pushed through – even without Duterte being physically present. “Ito na nagkakaroon na ng paunti-unting hustisya na aming hinahanap sa mga mahal namin sa buhay. Pag-asa na magkaroon ng kaliwanagan,” Rose said. “Yung galit ko andito na eh, simula’t sapul na nangyari yan sa mahal namin sa buhay. (JC) Gusto ko pa rin ng hustisya na mapanagot siya,” she added. Rose cannot hold back her tears, however, when she recalled how her child grew up without a father. “Malungkot kasi hindi man lang niya nakita yung papa niya. Sa picture na lang,” she said. Alyas Jocelyn, for her part, said she was still angry with the former president, saying he should be held accountable for his bloody war on drugs. Jocelyn said her 16-year-old was pulled from their homes in 2017 and was beaten and shot to death by armed men. “Galit po! At saka sana kung mabigyan man ng katarungan, magiging masaya na rin kami,” she said. “Isa siyang masamang tao, lahat naman ng Duterte siguro, mapaanak niya o siya, masama sila,” she added. Before the start of the ICC hearing, they had a candle lighting ceremony to pray for the innocent lives lost during the drug war, saying they would fight for justice to prevail. iDefend Philippines said they would have a debriefing after the hearing so the victims’ families would be able to understand what transpired in the court.

Relatives of the victims of extrajudicial killings on Monday expressed their anger with former President Rodrigo Duterte, but said they were happy that his confirmation of charges finally happened after several years.

Relatives of the victims of extrajudicial killings on Monday expressed their anger with former President Rodrigo Duterte, but said they were happy that his confirmation of charges finally happened after several years.

iDefend PH mounts candle lighting ceremony for EJK victims

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iDefend PH mounts candle lighting ceremony for EJK victims

Job Manahan,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 23, 2026 09:59 PM PHT

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Updated February 25, 2026 08:24 AM PHT

Read More:

Duterte

EJK

war on drugs

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