In a dramatic shift that could accelerate international accountability efforts, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed Wednesday that it is actively cooperating with the International Criminal Court (ICC) to facilitate witnesses’ testimony in the case against former President Rodrigo Duterte over alleged crimes against humanity tied to his controversial drug war.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed in an interview on ANC’s Headstart that the ICC had reached out through official channels, and that the DOJ had responded by tapping its Witness Protection Program. “We have given our support and cooperation,” Remulla said, citing the safety and necessity of securing witnesses for travel to The Hague.
In a rare move, Remulla also disclosed that the Philippine government would provide financial assistance to witnesses who lack the means to reach the ICC headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands.
“Yung mga testigo lang, yung mga yan, wala namang kaya sa buhay, walang wala rin, yun lang talaga ang tutulungan,” he said.
The announcement caught many by surprise—perhaps none more than the legal advocates representing victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs).
Kristina Conti, a lawyer for EJK victims and ICC Asst. to Counsel, welcomed the DOJ’s announcement as a “pleasant surprise.”
Speaking on ANC’s Dateline, Conti said, “I would say this is cooperation with the ICC. This is precisely one of the elements that is required for state parties to do, these are among their obligations, to protect witnesses, assist the court in the conduct of proceedings.”
The offer of financial aid for victims planning to testify, she added, signals a rare alignment between the state and survivors of the drug war.
Conti believes this move could embolden other victims who were previously afraid to come forward without government protection.
