Manila: An ecumenical human rights group has reported a surge in online harassment against families of extrajudicial killing (EJK) victims during the previous administration's drug war following the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
According to Philippines News Agency, Rise Up for Life and for Rights stated that online threats and misinformation have increased in recent days, particularly targeting witnesses and victims' families. The group highlighted a significant increase in hate speech, threats, and harassment, notably against women who have been vocal about the killings of their loved ones. The internet is reportedly flooded with misleading information aimed at drumming up support for Duterte.
Duterte, accused of crimes against humanity related to his anti-illegal drugs campaign, was arrested at the airport upon his return from Hong Kong on March 11 through an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The warrant was received by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) Manila and executed by the Philippine National Police (PNP). Duterte was subsequently taken to The Hague, Netherlands, on March 12 and handed over to the ICC Detention Center in Scheveningen.
Rise Up, which has assisted families of drug war victims in filing complaints with the ICC, reported that Duterte's supporters continue to defend him online, with some resorting to character attacks on ICC judges and victims' relatives. The group emphasized that the surge in threats highlights Duterte's continued influence and the danger he poses to those seeking justice.
The group urged the ICC to deny any request for Duterte's interim release, arguing that his history of inciting violence could further endanger victims and witnesses. They appealed to the ICC to reject any opportunity for Duterte to exacerbate tensions by allowing his release.
Rise Up also called on the Philippine government to support the ICC's investigation and rejoin the court, stressing the importance of accountability to stop the killings in the Philippines. Meanwhile, the Philippine government has acknowledged the spread of misinformation linked to Duterte's arrest. Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro noted that the agency is working to combat the rise of fake news, attributing its increase to the ICC proceedings against Duterte.
The PCO is collaborating with the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police to track down those responsible for spreading misinformation.
