They’ve lost sons, daughters, siblings—gunned down in alleyways or dragged from homes during Duterte’s brutal campaign. Now, the families of drug war victims are being harassed online for speaking up. But instead of backing off, many are stepping into the spotlight—angry, grieving, and determined to be heard.
Since Duterte’s arrival at The Hague, the attacks on social media have intensified. Anonymous accounts spread lies. Verified users amplify them. But the families say they’ve lived through worse—and this time, they won’t stay silent.
From Pain to Protest
For many years, fear and stigma kept these families quiet. Some were isolated in their communities, others intimidated by authorities or online hate. Now, more are choosing to speak. “We already lost someone. We won’t lose our voice,” said one mother whose teenage son was killed in a 2017 anti-drug operation in Manila.
The backlash has been cruel. Accusations of foreign funding, betrayal, and staged grief flood social media.
This shift—from grief to resistance—marks a critical moment. Families are organizing, joining support groups, and working with human rights lawyers to prepare evidence for the ICC. Their stories, once ignored, are now reaching courts and newsrooms around the world.
Government Officials to Face Senate Panel
The fallout from Duterte’s arrest has reached the halls of the Philippine Senate. Lawmakers are gearing up to question how and why the former president was handed over to international authorities. After some hesitation, the Palace confirmed that Cabinet members will appear before the Senate panel this week. Their testimonies are expected to clarify the Marcos administration’s stance on the case—and whether it fully supported the ICC’s move or simply allowed it to happen without resistance.
Voices That Will Not Be Erased
Despite the threats, families of drug war victims are pushing forward. They’re collecting digital evidence, preparing affidavits, and telling their stories in public forums. They are also calling on tech companies to take down abusive content and provide better protections.
Their resistance is about more than memory. It’s about justice—and the right to speak the truth without fear.
“They tried to erase our children,” said one father during a recent vigil. “Now they want to erase our truth. We will not stop.”
