On Wednesday, over 20 families gathered in a Manila church compound to watch a pivotal ICC status conference featuring former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. For the first time, Duterte appeared in the ICC chamber to face charges of crimes against humanity. Among those watching was Llore Pasco, who lost two sons in 2017 police operations. Observing the former president onscreen, she and other attendees noted that while he appeared thinner, he looked far more capable than the infirm image his family and legal team had previously projected. His appearance quickly deflated claims from his inner circle that he was too physically and mentally frail to stand trial, leading many to believe that his previous alleged health struggles were merely tactical delays.

The Duterte Panagutin Network and other victims’ rights groups expressed that this court appearance confirms their suspicions that the former leader had been feigning illness to avoid accountability. As the formal trial approaches on November 30, the mood among the families is a mix of vindication and anxiety. While they are desperate to finally confront the man they hold responsible for the deaths of their loved ones, they face significant financial hurdles. Their lawyer, Neri Colmenares, noted that while the legal proceedings are set to begin, the families currently lack the funding for travel to The Hague, leaving them to hope for support as they prepare for a legal battle expected to span at least two years.