Families of victims of the Philippines’ brutal war on drugs under former President Rodrigo Duterte are facing a new wave of trauma, this time in the digital realm. As Duterte, now 80, remains in custody at The Hague facing charges of murder as a crime against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC), reports have emerged of a sharp increase in online harassment and threats targeting those seeking justice for the estimated 30,000 lives lost during his presidency. Advocacy groups allege that these attacks are orchestrated by Duterte’s supporters in a bid to silence witnesses and sway public opinion.
A Surge in Digital Vitriol
The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) issued a statement on April 3, 2025, condemning what it described as a coordinated campaign of online abuse against families of drug war victims. According to the group, the harassment intensified following Duterte’s arrest on March 11 in Manila, after which he was transferred to ICC custody in The Netherlands. The ICHRP claims that this digital onslaught is designed to distract from the ongoing ICC proceedings and intimidate victims into withdrawing their cooperation with the court. 
Rise Up for Life and for Rights, an organization representing victims’ families, reported a “sharp spike” in hate speech and threats on social media platforms. The group highlighted the spread of misleading information aimed at bolstering support for Duterte, describing it as the work of a “hate network” tied to the former president’s camp. “The threats present another compelling reason for Duterte to be denied an interim release” said a spokesperson for Rise Up, emphasizing the potential danger to those involved in the case.
Allegations of Funded Propaganda
The ICHRP has pointed to evidence suggesting that the online campaign is not organic but rather a funded effort. Citing data from The Nerve, a forensics company specializing in digital analysis, the group noted that networks of Duterte supporters have utilized paid advertisements on platforms like Facebook to manipulate public discourse. Budgets for these ads reportedly range from 1,000 to 1,499 Philippine Pesos (US$20-30), according to the findings. The content often embeds political propaganda within seemingly unrelated entertainment communities and fan pages, leveraging influencers and vloggers to amplify the messages.
Among the narratives being pushed are claims of unfair treatment during Duterte’s arrest and personal attacks on victims’ families and their legal representatives. The ICHRP described social media as being weaponized into a “political tool” by Duterte’s supporters, with the intent to undermine the credibility of those advocating for accountability. “Duterte is trying to sway public opinion by playing the victim card, when in fact he was the mastermind of a brutal and bloody war on the poor” said the ICHRP in its statement, referencing the staggering death toll attributed to extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during his tenure from 2016 to 2022.
The ICC Case and Calls for Justice
Duterte’s arrest marks a significant chapter in the long-running quest for accountability over the Philippines’ drug war, which drew international condemnation for its alleged human rights violations. The ICC’s investigation, launched in 2021, focuses on whether the campaign constituted crimes against humanity, with murder charges now formally leveled against the former president. His transfer to The Hague has reignited debates in the Philippines over his legacy, with supporters framing him as a strongman who tackled crime, while critics argue his policies disproportionately targeted the poor and bypassed due process.
The timing of the online harassment has raised concerns about potential interference in the ICC proceedings. Both the ICHRP and Rise Up have called for Duterte to be denied interim release, arguing that his freedom could further endanger victims and witnesses. “We must not allow this re-victimization of the families and survivors who have been at the forefront of the movement for justice” said the ICHRP, urging global solidarity through public statements and mobilizations to counter the harassment and amplify victims’ stories.
Broader Implications for Digital Spaces
The reported use of paid ads and orchestrated campaigns to influence opinion on social media reflects a growing trend of digital tools being exploited for political ends, not just in the Philippines but globally. The manipulation of online narratives through targeted advertising and influencer networks poses challenges for platforms tasked with curbing misinformation while balancing free expression. In this case, the alleged tactics employed by Duterte’s supporters highlight how social media can be transformed into a battleground for public perception, particularly in high-stakes legal and political conflicts.
Critics of the former president argue that such strategies are a continuation of the aggressive tactics seen during his administration, which often relied on populist messaging to maintain support. The war on drugs, while popular among some segments of the population for its promise of security, left a legacy of grief for thousands of families who lost loved ones to summary executions. The current wave of online abuse, if indeed orchestrated as claimed, risks compounding their suffering by silencing their voices at a critical juncture in the pursuit of justice.
International Response and Local Impact
The ICHRP has appealed to the international community to stand with the victims’ families, encouraging actions that range from public condemnations of the harassment to sharing personal accounts of those affected by the drug war. Such solidarity, the group argues, is essential to counter the narrative being pushed by Duterte’s supporters and to ensure that the focus remains on accountability rather than distraction. The call comes amid broader discussions about the role of international bodies like the ICC in addressing human rights abuses, particularly in contexts where local mechanisms may be insufficient or compromised.
Within the Philippines, the renewed focus on Duterte’s policies has polarized public opinion. While some continue to view him as a decisive leader who prioritized law and order, others see the ICC case as a long-overdue reckoning for systemic abuses. The online harassment of victims’ families adds another layer of complexity, as it not only targets individuals directly involved in the case but also sends a chilling message to others who might consider speaking out. The psychological toll on those already grappling with loss is significant, with advocates warning that such tactics could deter future cooperation with international investigations.
A Legacy of Violence and Accountability
The war on drugs under Duterte’s administration remains one of the most contentious chapters in modern Philippine history. Official figures on the death toll vary, with government estimates often lower than those provided by human rights groups, which cite up to 30,000 deaths due to EJKs. The ICC’s involvement has brought renewed scrutiny to these numbers and the mechanisms—or lack thereof—that enabled such widespread violence. The current allegations of online harassment, if substantiated, could further complicate the legal process by creating an environment of fear and intimidation.
Human rights organizations have long argued that accountability for the drug war must extend beyond Duterte himself to include systemic failures and complicity at various levels of government. The digital attacks on victims’ families, seen by many as an extension of the impunity that characterized the drug war, underscore the challenges of achieving justice in a deeply divided society. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of those willing to testify and on preventing further interference in the ICC’s work.
As the case against Rodrigo Duterte unfolds in The Hague, the plight of the families targeted online serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of his policies. Whether the international community can effectively rally behind them, and whether the ICC can navigate the political and digital minefields surrounding the trial, remains to be seen. For the survivors and advocates in the Philippines, the fight for justice continues—both in the courtroom and in the contested space of public opinion.
