The independent Truth Commission on Thursday said the first in-person appearance of former President Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC) has boosted the morale of victims and survivors of the past administration’s infamous war on illegal drugs.
The commission said Duterte’s appearance before the ICC Trial Chamber III in The Hague on Wednesday gave hope to victims and families who have been seeking truth and accountability over killings linked to the anti-drug campaign.
Duterte attended the third status conference of his case, which focused on preparations for his trial set to begin on Nov. 30.
Truth Commission chairman and former ICC judge Raul Pangalangan said the proceedings in The Hague were important, but the search for truth about the killings must also continue in the Philippines.
“The struggle for justice, accountability, healing, and closure does not end in The Hague. The Truth Commission will ensure that more of those who suffered are heard,” Pangalangan said.
He said the commission’s public truth-telling sessions provide victims and survivors with an opportunity to recount what happened to them and their loved ones.
“These truth-telling sessions are not only the survivors’ way of making sure that their story is known – this is to help them in their healing as they continue to grapple with the effects of the violence that started since the ‘drug war’ began in 2016,” Pangalangan said.
He noted that many victims and survivors are not covered by the ICC proceedings.
“This is particularly true in the case of many more victims and survivors who are not included in the cases before the ICC,” he said.
The commission said its sessions are also intended to document accounts that may contribute to a fuller public record of the killings.
Pangalangan said allowing more victims and survivors to speak publicly is important in challenging narratives surrounding the anti-drug campaign, including claims that those killed did not deserve to live because they were criminals.
The Truth Commission was convened in May 2026 by civil society and Church groups led by Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, bishop of Kalookan.
Pangalangan serves as chairman, with Dr. Raquel Fortun, Dr. Al Fuertes, Fr. Danny Pilario and Carlos Conde as members.
It holds public truth-telling sessions every two weeks, featuring survivors or families of victims of the drug war.
The commission also produces its “Truth Be Told” podcast during the intervening weeks to provide another platform for discussing victims’ experiences, evidence and issues surrounding the killings.
Its third public session next week will feature Clarita Alia, a mother from Davao City whose four sons were killed in separate incidents attributed to the so-called Davao Death Squad between 2001 and 2007.
Meanwhile, the ICC status conference on Wednesday dealt with the disclosure of evidence and preparations for Duterte’s trial.
Presiding Judge Joanna Korner urged the parties to streamline the presentation of evidence and witnesses to help conclude the proceedings as quickly as possible.
The ICC has also ordered Duterte to remain detained by citing increased risks of flight and interference with proceedings as his trial approaches.
The Trial Chamber said the disclosure of witness identities and expected testimony increased the potential for interference while medical reports submitted on his fitness to stand trial did not warrant a change in detention.
The Truth Commission said that regardless of the outcome of the ICC proceedings, more victims and survivors need to be heard and their accounts documented.
“While the ICC’s proceedings are important, the struggle for justice, accountability, healing, and closure does not end in The Hague,” Pangalangan said.#