Emily Soriano was doing laundry when her friend rushed in with news about their yearslong quest for justice. In December 2016, gunmen stormed into their poor neighborhood and started shooting, killing seven people, including three children and a pregnant woman. Emily and her friend, Isabelita, each lost a son. They hold the former president, Rodrigo Duterte, responsible for their deaths, arguing that their sons were innocent victims of his “war on drugs.”

Mr. Duterte’s arrest on accusations of crimes against humanity was a major milestone towards accountability for the women. They say that they won’t allow the former president and his kind to stay in power without a fight. Mr. Duterte publicly encouraged the violence during his presidency, promising immunity to officers who targeted people described as “drug suspects.”

Clarita Alia, who lost four of her sons, became a symbol of protest against the killings in Davao. She expressed happiness about Mr. Duterte’s arrest, saying he will now feel the pain he inflicted on others.

Mr. Duterte was arrested in Manila after the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for crimes against humanity. He was flown to The Hague and is expected to make his first appearance in court soon. The warrant accuses him of being responsible for widespread and systematic killings. Mr. Duterte has argued that the ICC has no jurisdiction, but the judges disagreed.

In Davao, red ribbons and photos supporting Mr. Duterte were seen. Some residents feel that only criminals are against him and the ICC’s action is political persecution. Meanwhile, Ms. Espinosa gathered victims’ families to rally and light candles, mourning her son and others. Ms. Soriano and Mr. Baylon, who also lost a son, expressed mixed emotions about Mr. Duterte’s arrest, questioning if true justice can be achieved from a foreign court.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/14/world/asia/philippines-duterte-arrest-victims-justice.html