Fil-Ams split over Duterte’s arrest: Critics, supporters hold rallies
Over 70 human rights activists hold a rally in front of the Philippine Consulate in New York, demanding accountability for Duterte’s alleged crimes against humanity. CONTRIBUTED
NEW YORK — Since the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Filipino Americans – both diehard supporters of Duterte and human rights activists advocating for his accountability – have taken to the streets to fervently express their views.
Such fervor was witnessed as they gathered outside the Philippine Consulate General in New York City, where two opposing rallies took place just a day apart.
Both groups demonstrated their determination to demand accountability, but for very different reasons: one aimed to protect Duterte’s rights, while the other called for his prosecution.
Advocates demand accountability for Duterte’s alleged crimes
On March 15, over 70 human rights activists held a rally in front of the Consulate, demanding accountability for Duterte’s alleged crimes against humanity.
The demonstration followed Duterte’s recent detention by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and was part of a series of worldwide days of action dubbed “Black Friday.” Filipino communities across the United States organized to call for justice for victims of Duterte’s controversial “war on drugs.”
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Speakers at the rally highlighted the impunity surrounding the extrajudicial killings linked to Duterte’s regime, which had allegedly claimed over 30,000 lives.
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Migrante NY’s AJ Santos, in a statement sent to Inquirer.net USA, emphasized the human toll of Duterte’s policies.
“More than 30,000. This is not just a number. These are Filipinos who will never have a chance to see the downfall of this mass murderer. Para sa mga nanay na nawalan ng anak. Mga nanay na hindi tumigil sa pag martsa sa kalsada, hawak-hawak ang mga larawan ng kanilang anak para sumigaw ng hustisya,” Santos said.
The rally also targeted the incumbent administration, with a representative from Malaya NY stating, “(President) Marcos, too, must see the arrest of Duterte as a warning,” urging continued vigilance for the protection of human rights. This message resonated throughout the protest, where marchers focused on confronting historical and ongoing abuses.
This sentiment was echoed by various organizations present, including Anakbayan Manhattan, led by Lianah Sta. Ana, who stated, “We refuse to ignore the continued attacks against our rights and education. The youth must unite to raise awareness about the conditions affecting both our city and our homeland.”
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Phoebe De Padua from Gabriela NY also voiced concerns, stressing the community’s responsibility to continue advocating for justice.
“Duterte’s arrest was only made possible through years of organizing and work by families of drug war victims, activists and organizations,” she said, calling on the community to hold Marcos accountable for ongoing human rights violations and political repression.
Lee of the New York Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (NYCHRP) highlighted the role of the US government and its support for Duterte’s regime.
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“We cannot forget that the US government played a crucial role in supporting the Duterte regime. In fact, the US provided $550 million to fund Duterte’s war. While Duterte’s arrest cannot bring complete justice to the victims and their families, it shows that the power of the people is stronger,” Lee said.
Accusations of kidnapping
Meanwhile, Diehard Duterte Supporters (DDS) assembled at the Philippine Consulate the next day, March 16, to assail the Marcos administration for allegedly conspiring behind Duterte’s “kidnapping” and surrender to the ICC.
They claimed that Duterte was deprived of his right to due process when he was arrested, and argued that the ICC’s involvement was an assault on Philippine sovereignty.
Nearly 200 DDS supporters protested Duterte’s ‘illegal detention’ in The Hague. Fil-Am residents from the tri-state area of New York chant ‘Send him home,’ urging the ICC to return the 79-year-old former president to his home country while he awaits charges related to his alleged crimes against humanity. Photo by Lawreen Borneo-Egerton
The rally featured speakers who called for unity among Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Filipinos everywhere.
“In light of these points, we join millions of Overseas Filipino Workers worldwide and Filipinos across the globe. From the Middle East to Australia, Asia to Europe, and now in America, we raise our voices in unity, declaring three powerful words: SEND HIM HOME!” said a statement posted by “Patriotic Filipinos” on Facebook.
DDS supporters continue their protest with a prayer rally held at Times Square following the rally at the Philippine Consulate. Photo by Lawreen Borneo-Egerton
Supporters contended that Duterte’s cases should be heard in Philippine courts, arguing that the ICC is no longer a jurisdictional forum since the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019.
They noted that previous cases against Duterte’s regime had been resolved in Philippine courts, asserting that the current regime is pursuing Duterte to consolidate absolute power.
Furthermore, rally participants rationalized Duterte’s policies as commendable actions to combat the Philippine drug issue, framing his approach as a means to protect society from the harms of illegal drugs, thus viewing the situation in terms of justice rather than injustice.
A divided community
The two protest rallies, held just a day apart at the Philippine Consulate General, dramatize the polarization within the Filipino American community regarding Duterte’s legacy.
One demands accountability and justice for the victims of state terror, while the other rallies to Duterte’s defense and sees the actions against him as political persecution.
These counter-protests reflect the complexities of sentiment within the Filipino diaspora as they navigate their identities and political beliefs, ensuring that the ongoing discussions about justice, representation and the Duterte presidency’s legacy will continue to resonate within the community.
