Counsel at ICC: Drug war victims deserve to 'leave the shadows'

February 27, 2026 | 10:49pm

MANILA, Philippines — Victims of former President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war deserve to leave the shadows and return into the light, their legal representative told International Criminal Court judges in an impassioned closing statement.

Gilbert Andres, common legal representative for victims, delivered the remarks during the confirmation of charges hearing against Duterte.

Andres sought to rebut the defense presented by Duterte's lead counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, arguing that the case must be viewed in its full Philippine context.

He likened the defense's approach to the parable of the elephant, saying it focused only on parts — "the tusks, the trunk and the ears" — while ignoring the whole.

When a president like Duterte says kill, Filipinos will treat it as an official order, that his word becomes public policy, Andres argued.

'Murdered again'

Speaking for the victims, Andres argued that Duterte dehumanized his victims and reshaped the country's psyche.

"As they are watching these proceedings, they have stated, and when they heard the defense effectively submitting that the Chamber should ignore the systematicity and the widespread nature of the attack, it's like their murdered loved ones are being murdered again," Andres said.

He told judges that the defense had not weakened the prosecution's case and that victims firmly believe Duterte committed the crimes charged.

"The victims want these charges to be confirmed because they want to be reintegrated into their communities—because they are still in the shadows of fake news, of fear and of threats from Mr. Duterte's supporters," the lawyer said.

"It's important, your Honor, that all of these charges be confirmed against Mr. Duterte, so that the victims of the crimes will be taken out of the shadow of darkness, into the light of truth and justice," Andres said.

Andres also said victims believe they were "created in the image of God" and that "the God of the Universe is also the God of Justice."

Families of those killed in the drug war have faced online harassment and smear campaigns.

The confirmation of charges hearing will determine whether there are substantial grounds to send Duterte to trial for crimes against humanity.

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