VANCOUVER – Tuesday, March 11, 2025 – Filipino BC acknowledges the arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on an international warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). This marks a significant step toward accountability for the thousands of lives lost under his administration’s violent “war on drugs.”
As a Filipino community organization in British Columbia, we recognize the deep harm caused by Duterte’s policies. Many in our community have been directly affected—losing loved ones, experiencing displacement, or fearing for their safety.
“The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, following the International Criminal Court’s warrant, marks a pivotal moment in the global pursuit of justice. It reinforces a vital principle: no leader, no matter their power or position, is above the law,” shares Kristina Corpin-Moser, Project Director of Filipino BC.
“For years, Duterte’s so-called war on drugs wasn’t a campaign against crime—it was a war on the poor. His administration’s systematic use of extrajudicial killings devastated countless lives and eroded human rights. The world has now made it clear: state-sanctioned violence cannot be justified as governance. Those who abuse power with impunity will ultimately face justice.”
To the victims and their families: your pain, your struggle, and your unwavering demand for justice have not been forgotten. This is a step toward holding those responsible for the atrocities committed accountable. We stand with the families of victims and human rights organizations seeking justice. True accountability goes beyond legal action—it requires systemic change and recognition of the suffering inflicted on the Filipino people.
We call on the Canadian government and the international community to continue pushing for human rights, justice, and democracy in the Philippines. ([email protected])
