In The Hague, Netherlands, volunteers organized a human barricade to shield drug war victims' families from harassment by supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte outside the International Criminal Court (ICC). This occurred on the third and fourth days of the pre-trial proceedings in February 2026. The incident reflects broader tensions between defenders and critics of Duterte's drug war.
On February 24, 2026, relatives of drug war victims, including Sheerah Escudero and Llore Pasco, were filmed without consent while on a bus to The Hague. The footage was used to spread derogatory comments from trolls on social media, according to the Duterte Panagutin Network. Additionally, a manipulated photo emerged showing the women with luxury bags, suggesting they were not poor victims.
To prevent further incidents, volunteers from Maya Solidarity and other groups formed a human barricade. They acted as advance parties and lookouts, signaling when the area was safe. Paul Evers, a volunteer, said they needed to protect victims from photography and interference, especially given the Duterte supporters' known use of troll farms.
ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang called an affidavit from former marines alleging political funding of the investigation a 'deliberate intimidation.' Duterte's lawyer Nicholas Kaufman stated that the 'kill, kill, kill' remarks were mere warnings, not orders. In the detention review hearing on March 1, 2026, the prosecution and victims' lawyers urged keeping Duterte in custody due to flight risk.
Victims' lawyer Joel Butuyan warned that Duterte's contempt for the court indicated potential escape attempts. The defense did not oppose, citing a pending appeal. Expert Domingo Cayosa predicted the case would likely proceed to trial within 60 days.
