Information disclosed by Atty. Levi Baligod and 18 alleged former soldiers will be used in the defense of former President Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court, according to former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. The disclosures involve claims that former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co allegedly funded ICC investigators during activities in the Philippines.
“Based on the information we’re getting, Kaufman will use their press conference to try to argue for a mistrial, saying the process was compromised,” Trillanes told ANC. He added that Duterte’s camp is employing “dirty tricks,” noting that the ICC remains their main target despite larger issues at stake.
Trillanes alleged that Duterte’s allies financed and organized Baligod’s press conference at Club Filipino in San Juan City. One of the vehicles used by the former soldiers was reportedly traced to the wife of former Anak Kalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor.
“This was really done by Duterte’s camp because they stand to benefit most from it,” Trillanes said, adding that the press conference was also part of destabilization efforts aimed at stirring anger against the Marcos Jr. administration, especially as impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte will begin in the House of Representatives.
Trillanes said he plans to file cyber libel charges against Baligod’s group and noted that the ICC may also pursue cases against them for endangering investigators and witnesses. He cited the release of photos of ICC investigators and witnesses as a violation of Article 70 of the Rome Statute, which covers obstruction of justice.
He further claimed that the 18 former soldiers will eventually “collapse” under interrogation and reveal who financed and encouraged them. “They will fall because the mantle of protection provided by Baligod in the press conference will disappear,” Trillanes said. (ZIA LUNA)
