Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The recent development involving former Davao Death Squad (DDS) members Edgar Matobato and Arturo Lascañas under the protective custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) marks a significant turning point in the ongoing fight for justice in the Philippines. This pivotal move comes as the ICC intensifies its investigation into extrajudicial killings during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. The testimonies of Matobato and Lascañas, both self-confessed hitmen, have the potential to unravel the truth behind the thousands of killings allegedly sanctioned by Duterte’s government in its war on drugs.
Background of the Case: The Davao Death Squad and Duterte's War on Drugs
Matobato and Lascañas were both former members of the infamous Davao Death Squad, a group accused of carrying out extrajudicial executions in Davao City under the orders of then-Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. Over the years, both men have come forward with chilling accounts of their involvement in the killings, which they claim were part of Duterte’s violent anti-crime campaign. Their testimonies paint a gruesome picture of a coordinated effort to eliminate suspected criminals without trial or due process, a practice that allegedly extended well beyond Davao City during Duterte’s presidency.
The ICC’s investigation centers on the alleged crimes against humanity committed during the war on drugs, a campaign that saw thousands of Filipinos killed. Despite widespread international condemnation and evidence supporting these claims, the Philippine government has steadfastly refused to cooperate with the ICC. This non-cooperation became more pronounced when the Philippines formally withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019, a decision that sought to shield the Duterte administration from the ICC's scrutiny.
ICC's Protective Custody: A Safeguard for Witnesses
In a significant move that underscores the importance of the testimonies from Matobato and Lascañas, the ICC has placed them under protective custody, along with their families. This measure ensures their safety as they prepare to testify in the ongoing investigation. Matobato’s family, including his wife and two stepchildren, reportedly left the Philippines using assumed identities, and their current whereabouts remain undisclosed for security reasons. Meanwhile, Lascañas, who has also provided critical testimony against Duterte, has been granted immunity from prosecution in exchange for his cooperation with the ICC.
The decision to offer protection to these key witnesses highlights the high stakes involved in this case. The Philippines’ refusal to cooperate with the ICC has not deterred the court from taking necessary steps to safeguard those who risk their lives to testify and bring the truth to light. It is a reminder that even when national systems fail, the international community remains committed to ensuring accountability for human rights violations.
Implications and Reactions: Philippine Government's Denial and Growing Concerns
The Philippine government has denied any knowledge of Matobato’s whereabouts, with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin asserting that they have no connection with the self-confessed hitman. In response to Matobato’s escape from the country, the Bureau of Immigration has launched an investigation into how he and his family managed to leave using new identities, further adding to the controversy surrounding the case. The government’s reluctance to acknowledge the extrajudicial killings and its refusal to cooperate with the ICC only serve to deepen suspicions about its role in the violence that has plagued the country.
Critics argue that the Philippine government’s failure to engage with the ICC investigation raises serious concerns about its commitment to justice. The withholding of critical information, the denial of the reality of the killings, and the refusal to hold perpetrators accountable are all seen as efforts to shield those responsible from facing the consequences of their actions. As Matobato and Lascañas continue to testify under the protection of the ICC, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the need for international intervention when domestic systems are compromised or unwilling to seek justice.
A Step Towards Justice: The ICC's Role and Global Expectations
The ICC's decision to place Matobato and Lascañas under protective custody marks a crucial step in the pursuit of justice for the victims of Duterte's war on drugs. Their testimonies could serve as the foundation for holding individuals accountable for orchestrating or facilitating the extrajudicial killings that have devastated countless families across the Philippines. The ICC’s investigation is not just about prosecuting one individual; it is about seeking justice for thousands of victims whose lives were tragically cut short.
As the ICC continues its work, the international community remains hopeful that justice will eventually prevail. The developments surrounding Matobato and Lascañas signify a breakthrough in the relentless pursuit of truth, despite the Philippine government's refusal to cooperate. Their courage and willingness to testify offer a glimmer of hope that, one day, the victims of extrajudicial killings will receive the justice they deserve.
In the grand scheme of global human rights advocacy, the actions of the ICC and its protective measures for these witnesses underscore the importance of international legal bodies in holding governments accountable. While the road to justice may be long and fraught with challenges, this case serves as a powerful reminder that justice knows no borders, and the fight for human rights will continue, regardless of political barriers.
As the world watches, the hope remains that the testimonies of these brave witnesses will resonate beyond the courtroom, sparking a global movement for accountability and transparency in the fight against extrajudicial killings and other violations of human rights.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
