International People's Tribunal to Hear Alleged War Crimes by Marcos and Duterte Administrations

janimonow

May 16

The International People's Tribunal (IPT) is set to conduct hearings on alleged violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) by the administrations of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte. The hearings will take place from May 17 to May 18, 2024, addressing accusations such as indiscriminate bombardment, massacres, fake surrenders, extrajudicial killings, and red-tagging.

Tribunal's Objectives and Scope

The IPT, convened by the International Association of Democratic Lawyers (IADL) and the Friends of the Filipino People in Struggle (FFPS), aims to provide an alternative legal platform to address the severe violations of the laws of war purportedly committed by the Philippine government.

"We're convening this tribunal because the times call for it. The intensity and the scope of armed conflict in the Philippines, the ruthlessness of the atrocities committed by the Philippine government, the severity of the violations on the laws of war, made it imperative to call out and make perpetrators answerable for the outrages against the Filipino people and those who resist oppression and exploitation," said lawyer and IPT co-convenor Edre Olalia.

The IPT seeks to offer a credible and viable alternative to existing legal remedies, which are often seen as tedious, complicated, and inadequate for delivering true justice.

Participation and Proceedings

The tribunal has reached out to both President Marcos Jr. and former President Duterte, but neither has indicated a willingness to participate in the proceedings. Despite this, the hearings will proceed, and the tribunal will release its findings on May 19, 2024.

Former partylist representative Teddy Casiño clarified that the charges under the IPT proceedings are distinct from those being investigated by the International Criminal Court (ICC) concerning Duterte's drug war.

"Whereas the ICC covered EJKs related to the drug war of Duterte, the IPT also covers EJKs, similar tactics used by Duterte in the drug war but the victims are different. The victims are not drug suspects but activists, or community organizers, or ordinary farmers suspected of sympathizing with the communist rebel movement," explained Casiño.

Expected Outcomes

While the tribunal's decisions are not legally enforceable, they can serve as substantial evidence for future legal actions. Former Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao emphasized the importance of the tribunal's findings in documenting the alleged violations.

"The results of these tribunal could not be executed or enforced by formal or international bodies but let it be a reminder, the documents, findings, the testimonies that we will be presenting are substantial…in proving that the duty-bearers committed these violations," said Casilao. "Their time, their day will come in court sooner or later."

Context and Significance

The IPT hearings come at a time when the Philippines is grappling with accusations of human rights abuses. These sessions will shine a light on the alleged war crimes and bring international attention to the plight of those affected. The tribunal provides a platform for victims and activists to voice their grievances and seek justice, albeit through a non-binding process.

Conclusion

The International People's Tribunal's upcoming hearings on the alleged war crimes committed by the Marcos and Duterte administrations underscore the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability in the Philippines. While the tribunal's findings are not legally enforceable, they will contribute to the broader effort to document and address human rights violations.