Former President Rodrigo Duterte challenged the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday to come to the Philippines as early as tomorrow to investigate the purported crimes against humanity associated with his war on drugs.
Duterte’s remarks, made on Wednesday, November 13, contradicted his previous position that foreign bodies should not interfere in the country’s legal matters.
Duterte, in August, criticized the ICC for its examination of purported extrajudicial killings that occurred during the drug war under his administration.
“Ano ‘yang ICC na ‘yan? I do not recognize that. Ang tanong ko muna is jurisdiction. Abogado ako eh, jurisdiction… Fiscal ako, so when I face a case at the court, every day, magtanong ako. Do I have the power? Do I have jurisdiction dito sa kasong pino-prosecute ko,” he said.
During the House QuadComm probe on drug war killings during his administration today, November 13, Duterte said he wants to start the investigation immediately as the ICC could issue an arrest warrant for him by the end of the year.
“I am asking the ICC to hurry up. If possible, they can come here and start the investigation tomorrow. This issue has been left hanging for so many years,” Duterte said.
“Baka mamatay na lang ako, hindi pa maimbestigahan. I am asking ICC through you na pumunta na sila dito bukas at umpisahan na. If I am found guilty, I will go to prison and rot there,” he added.
The ICC has been investigating Duterte’s war on drugs, which has led to thousands of deaths and drawn widespread international condemnation.
In 2019, the Philippines withdrew from the ICC under Duterte’s orders. However, the tribunal has maintained that it still has jurisdiction over killings that occurred before the country’s pullout, including those in Davao City during Duterte’s tenure as mayor, long before he became president.
However, the Marcos Jr. administration has also stated that it will not hinder the ICC from obtaining statements, information, or conducting interviews with potential witnesses.
According to police records, the number of deaths stood at approximately 6,000, but human rights organizations argue that the toll could be as high as 30,000, factoring in vigilante killings linked to Duterte’s policy. (TCSP)
