Bayan Muna Party list . Screen grabbed from Rep. Neri Colmenares 

MANILA, Philippines – Bayan Muna Party list officially launched the “White Ribbon: Duterte Panagutin’ campaign along various human-rights advocates and faith-based groups calling for justice for the victims of the drug war during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. 

According to the group, the campaign aims to “mobilize nationwide support for the ongoing pursuit of accountability” from the former leader who is now facing detention pending trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague, Netherlands over alleged crimes against humanity. 

“We are here today not only to remember the victims, but to demand that Rodrigo Duterte be held accountable for the mass murder of the poor. The white ribbon symbolizes our collective grief, but more importantly, our unwavering resolve to seek justice,” said former Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares in a statement on Sunday.

“Krimen laban sa sangkatauhan ang sistematikong pagpatay lalo nang libu-libong mahihirap sa ngalan ng giyera kontra droga. Hindi ito simpleng pagkukulang—ito ay krimen laban sa sangkatauhan. Panagutin si Duterte,” he said. 

During the campaign that started March 28, participants tied white ribbons on trees at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City on Sunday and called out to the public to wear white ribbons as well and add the campaign logo on their social media platforms as a sign of solidarity. 

Colmenares also pleaded to the administration to cooperate with the proceedings of the ICC 

“Huwag nating hayaang muling maulit ang madugong kasaysayan. Ang pananahimik ay pakikiisa sa karahasan. Ang pagkilos ay pagpanig sa katarungan,” he said. 

Along with petitions to bring back the former president, who many supporters claim had been a victim of lack of due process, Colmenares sought to remind people that the real victims are those who died during the drug war. 

“Ang mga pamilya ng mga biktima ng EJK [extra judicial killings] ang mga tunay na biktima. Ang mga anak nila, ang mga magulang nila, ang mga kapatid nila, mga asawa nila, pinaslang walang warrant, warrant, walang korte, korte,” he said.