MANILA, Philippines – Human rights lawyer and Akbayan First Nominee Atty. Chel Diokno has expressed strong support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, calling it a long-overdue step toward justice.

Diokno, a staunch advocate for human rights and accountability, expressed solidarity with the victims of extrajudicial killings and stressed the need for Duterte to be placed under the ICC’s jurisdiction without delay.

“I stand with the families and victims of extrajudicial killings in welcoming the ICC’s arrest of former Pres. Duterte. Justice demands that this warrant be enforced without delay. Duterte must be placed under the ICC’s jurisdiction immediately.”

Call for Government Cooperation

He urged the Philippine government to fully cooperate with international law enforcement agencies to ensure Duterte’s immediate turnover to the ICC.

“The Philippine government must fully cooperate with the Interpol and the ICC, mobilizing all law enforcement agencies to bring him in. The government must act decisively and ensure that he has nowhere to hide. No more safe spaces for tyrants.”

Duterte’s Reckoning

Diokno also underscored what he described as Duterte’s false sense of invincibility, saying that no leader is beyond the reach of justice.

“For decades, Duterte thought himself untouchable—above the law, beyond accountability. But history catches up with even the most ruthless despots. His reign of terror must meet its inevitable end: his conviction.”

Warning Against Possible Political Interference

Despite the ICC’s move, Diokno warned that the fight for justice is far from over, noting that Duterte’s allies could still attempt to obstruct legal proceedings.

“This is a critical step towards justice, but the fight is far from over. His allies will attempt to shield him, manipulate the system, and derail the process. The government must guarantee full protection for the witnesses and victims’ families, who are now at risk of retaliation.”

A Call to Action

Finally, Diokno called on the Filipino people to remain vigilant and ensure that Duterte is held accountable.

“To the Filipino people: let’s make sure Duterte doesn’t just run out of hiding places—let’s run him straight into the arms of justice. The road to accountability is long, but today, it just got a little shorter.”

Diokno’s statement reinforces a growing call for full accountability for human rights violations committed under Duterte’s administration, with many watching closely as the legal proceedings unfold.

📷 Chel Diokno FB, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte