Dialogue with families impacted by Duterte’s “drug war” and performance by RESBAK

In March 2025, the International Criminal Court arrested former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity over his brutal “war on drugs”; a long-awaited victory for families and allies who have been fighting for justice for years. Yet the road ahead remains arduous. This September, his indefinitely postponed pre-trial hearing deals a massive blow to families and allies who had prepared to travel to The Hague for this historic event. This delay, together with Duterte’s enduring support especially among Filipino migrants, underscores the need for sustained information and education campaigns. Crucial in this is the presence of families who have been impacted by the  “war on drugs” as well as their allies, who can share their stories not just of suffering but also of resistance, solidarity and hope. In this dialogue and performance, Grace and Sha of Silingan, together with Eya and Debs of RESBAK, highlight the role of storytelling and ethical listening in the struggle for justice. Silingan is a history-rooted social impact cafe and storytelling hub that uses tech and art to employ drug war survivors as memory keepers and advocates for human rights, diversity, and inclusion. They are a partner of RESBAK (Respond and Break the Silence Against the Killings), a collective of arts, media, and cultural workers who have been supporting individuals and families impacted by the drug war since 2016.