Fear Grips Duterte's Drug War Victims and Their Lawyers in The Hague
In the quiet streets of The Hague, where international justice unfolds, Filipino victims of former President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial drug war campaign find themselves living in fear, not of strangers, but of their own countrymen.
Sheerah Escudero, whose 18-year-old brother was killed during Duterte's anti-drug operations, walks cautiously through the Dutch city. Despite recognizing the freedom and safety The Hague offers, she remains vigilant.
"Whenever I am in a public place and there are groups of Filipino people, I try my best not to get noticeable, or I try my best not to get recognized. I know we're all over the Duterte pages. So I'm afraid some Duterte supporters might recognize us," Escudero explained.
The 28-year-old virtual assistant arrived in The Hague last weekend to attend Duterte's confirmation of charges hearing that began Monday, February 23. Her presence at the International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings represents years of seeking justice for her brother's death.
Harassment and Threats Follow Victims Abroad
Escudero's fears stem from ongoing harassment she has faced, particularly since Duterte's arrest in March last year. Online attacks have branded her as "an addict" and "paid," with threats escalating to sexual assault warnings.
"This was never our dream. Yes, we are in Europe but what are we doing in Europe? Are we having fun? Do we look like we're having fun? We're not enjoying any bit of this, but we're willing to take all the pain just for justice," she said.
The irony of the situation weighs heavily on her. "Wala ka namang ginawang masama sa ibang tao, pero bakit ikaw pa yung natatakot na makilala? (You have not done anything bad to other people, yet why is it that you're the one afraid of being recognized?) I find it absurd at the same time frustrating."
Legal Representatives Also Feel Threatened
Even the victims' legal counsel experiences similar anxieties. Joel Butuyan, the court-appointed common legal representative for victims, described how the legal team feels compelled to hide from fellow Filipinos.
"When we reported to the victims that we, their external legal representatives, feel like fugitives who avoid our own countrymen here in The Hague, because chances are they are Duterte clones, they expressed their utmost concern," Butuyan told ICC judges during Monday's proceedings.
He emphasized the broader implications: "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 teeming with mini-Dutertes."
Duterte Supporters Rally in The Hague
Duterte supporters have traveled from across Europe to demonstrate their support for the former president. They gather daily in a cordoned area outside the Scheveningen prison complex where he is detained, creating an atmosphere of tension for victims and their families.
Llore Pasco, a 71-year-old mother who lost two sons to police killings, described her nervousness when approaching the court. "Masyado kami masinsin sa pagmamasid at pag-iingat (We're very vigilant and very careful)," she said, explaining how she keeps conversations with strangers brief.
Strong Words Against Duterte's Legacy
During his opening statement, Butuyan delivered sharp criticism of what he termed Duterte's "fanatics," referencing the former president's controversial comparison of his drug war to Hitler's actions against Jewish people.
"Mr. Duterte has created clones of himself. He converted millions of peace-loving citizens into bloodthirsty disciples who have become converts to the belief that violence and killings are valid solutions to societal problems," Butuyan stated.
The stark contrast was evident outside the courthouse after Monday's proceedings, where Duterte supporters chanted his name and took photographs with former Cabinet members, while victims' families watched from across the street.
Lydjay Acopio, whose three-year-old daughter Myca was killed by police officers, 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, or one of their loved ones, was killed by Duterte?)"
As the ICC proceedings continue throughout the week, these families remain committed to their pursuit of justice, despite the personal costs and fears they face even in this international setting.