Kin of drug war victims rejoice: Duterte's detention is our safety

Families of drug war victims watched together as the International Criminal Court (ICC) ruled on Friday that 80-year-old former president Rodrigo Duterte must remain detained despite a defense appeal for his release on grounds of age and declining health.

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The families held signs saying “Duterte’s detention is our safety, no to interim release.”

One person jumped for joy and others clapped as the ruling was read out.

“The trial must go on. It must continue until it is proven that Duterte is guilty,” said Sheerah Escudero, whose brother was killed in 2017 during the drug war.

The ICC arrest warrant said Duterte created, funded and armed death squads.

According to police, 6,200 suspects were killed during anti-drug operations under Duterte’s presidency, but activists say the real toll was far higher and the ICC prosecutor has said as many as 30,000 people may have died.

Duterte has long insisted he instructed police to kill only in self-defense and has always defended the crackdown, repeatedly telling his supporters he was ready to "rot in jail" if it meant ridding the Philippines of illicit drugs.

'Duterte had it coming'