Drug War Victims Face Fear in The Hague During ICC Hearings
In the quiet streets of The Hague, Filipino families seeking justice for loved ones killed during the previous administration's anti-drug campaign find themselves walking in fear, even thousands of miles from home.
Sheerah Escudero, whose 18-year-old brother was killed during former President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial drug war, arrived in the Netherlands to attend the International Criminal Court hearings that began Monday. Despite being in what she describes as a safe environment where she can see "kung gaano kalaya ang mga tao rito" (how free people are here), Escudero remains cautious.
"Whenever I am in a public place and there are groups of Filipino people, I try my best not to get noticeable," said the 28-year-old virtual assistant. "I know we're all over the Duterte pages. So I'm afraid some Duterte supporters might recognize us."
Legal Team Shares Victims' Concerns
The atmosphere of unease extends beyond the victims' families. Joel Butuyan, the court-appointed common legal representative for victims, told ICC judges that the legal team feels like "fugitives who avoid our own countrymen here in The Hague."
"When we reported to the victims that we, their external legal representatives, feel like fugitives, they expressed their utmost concern that if we, their lawyers, feel threatened by mini-Dutertes in a foreign country, we should imagine the far more intense fear they live with every day in their communities," Butuyan stated during his opening remarks.
Divided Filipino Community in Europe
The hearings have drawn Filipinos from across Europe, creating a complex dynamic in the Dutch city. Duterte supporters gather daily at the cordoned area near the detention facility, while victims' families navigate public spaces with heightened vigilance.
Llore Pasco, a 71-year-old mother who lost two sons to police operations, described her cautious approach: "Masyado kami masinsin sa pagmamasid at pag-iingat. Kung hindi mo naman talaga kakilala na tao, eh pagka tinanong ka, 'hi' and 'hello' lang." (We're very vigilant and very careful. If you don't know the person, just say 'hi' and 'hello.')
Seeking Justice Despite Personal Cost
For Escudero, the journey to The Hague represents a bittersweet milestone. While she appreciates the opportunity to photograph the historic city with her beloved film cameras, the circumstances overshadow any potential enjoyment.
"This was never our dream. Yes, we are in Europe but what are we doing in Europe? We're not enjoying any bit of this, but we're willing to take all the pain just for justice," she explained.
The confirmation of charges hearing continues this week, as the international community watches proceedings that could shape accountability for alleged crimes against humanity during the previous administration's anti-drug operations.
Lydjay Acopio, whose three-year-old daughter Myca was killed during a police operation, observed supporters chanting outside the courthouse and posed a poignant question: "Sisigaw pa ba sila ng Duterte kung 'yung isa sa pamilya nila, mahal nila sa buhay ay pinatay ni Duterte?" (Would they scream Duterte if one of their family members was killed by Duterte?)