President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Thursday, November 14, that the government would neither block nor help if former President Rodrigo Duterte agreed to an ICC investigation into the war on drugs.
In a media interview, Marcos it is Duterte’s personal choice if he decides to participate or cooperate with the ICC’s probe after Duterte recently challenged the ICC to promptly investigate his war on drugs, which has been linked to the deaths of thousands.
“Well, as the comment of the Executive Secretary, the former Chief Justice, if ‘yun ang gugustuhin ni PRRD [President Rodrigo Roa Duterte] ay hindi naman kami haharang doon sa mga ICC. Hindi lang kami tutulong,” Marcos said.
When asked about a possible reinvestigation of drug-related murders under Duterte’s administration, Marcos clarified that the matter is currently within the purview of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“Right now, that is being done by the PNP,” he said, adding that the findings from their investigations are forthcoming.
On further probes, Marcos said that the Department of Justice (DOJ) would consider recent testimonies made by Duterte as part of any potential investigation.
“All of the testimony that was given yesterday really… will be taken in and will be assessed to see what… in legal terms, what is the real meaning and consequence of some of the statements made by PRRD,” Marcos said.
Marcos noted that he has not yet issued direct instructions to the DOJ or the PNP to investigate further but acknowledged that they are closely monitoring developments.
He also acknowledged the unresolved cases involving EJKs and emphasized the government’s commitment to justice, citing the families still waiting for answers.
“The question on EJK has not yet been answered. Who is responsible?” he said.
Marcos underlined the importance of the DOJ’s role in examining statements and testimonies to determine if they justify further legal action, adding that “it is the DOJ’s responsibility to continue to examine all bits of comments, of statements, of testimony, and eventually of evidence.”
Duterte has faced accusations of establishing a nationwide reward system for police officers who killed drug suspects.
While estimates vary, at least 6,000 people were killed in the drug crackdown, though some suggest this number could be as high as 30,000. (TCSP)