Anti-Duterte protesters hold vigil in The Hague for drug war victims

Protesters against former President Rodrigo Duterte held a candlelight vigil and prayer ceremony in The Hague on Monday, March 17 (March 18, PH time), to honor victims of alleged extrajudicial killings during his administration's war on drugs.

The event was organized by Filipinos based in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, and the United Kingdom from various organizations like Pinay sa Holland Gabriela and Bayan Europe.

Speakers recounted testimonies of families affected by Duterte’s war on drugs, emphasizing violence and impunity.

Patricia Enriquez of Pinay in Holland Gabriela said they immediately organized the gathering after learning about Duterte's arrest and transfer to The Hague for trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Organizers vowed to continue their efforts beyond street protests, planning open forums and educational sessions to help the public understand legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, pro-Duterte supporters are planning a gathering in The Hague on March 23 with a permit from Dutch authorities, aiming to accommodate more than 500 people.

The ICC has been investigating Duterte since 2018 for crimes against humanity related to alleged systematic drug war deaths during his administration.