Former Bayan Muna congressman Neri Colmenares welcomed the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) move to establish a dedicated platform for gathering evidence on the drug war killings, calling it a significant step toward justice for thousands of victims of extrajudicial killings under the Duterte administration.
“With the ICC announcement of its witnesses platform it is highly possible that they’ve finished the investigation and are now preparing for trial,” said the Bayan Muna first nominee
“Even with the original set of witnesses, the evidence is already enough. The previous part of the investigation is gathering documentary evidence and interviewing informants. Now they are asking those who have sent their sworn statements or allowed themselves to be interviewed if they want to appear in the trial. Additionally, by announcing the process for witnesses, the ICC is encouraging those from the police ranks and other insiders to testify as witnesses. In any case, whatever the reason, the fact is, they have now entered a new phase in the process of holding Duterte accountable for his crimes against humanity. Since the evidence is already strong and they are probably preparing for trial, we hope the ICC will issue an arrest warrant to ensure Duterte’s presence at the trial “ said the co-counsel of families of the Duterte drug war.
“The ICC’s new witness appeal platform will help facilitate additional evidence against those responsible for the thousands of deaths under Duterte’s bloody war on drugs. This is a welcome development that brings us closer to achieving justice for the victims and their families,” Colmenares said.
“Napakahalagang hakbang nito para sa mga pamilyang nawalan ng mga mahal sa buhay. Sa wakas, may konkreto at mabilis na paraan na para makapagbigay ng ebidensya ang mga testigo nang ligtas at kompidensyal,” he added.
“Hindi makakapigil ang pagtatanggi nina Duterte sa krimen. The truth will eventually come out. Lalo maraming testigo at ebidensya ang lalabas dahil sa platform na ito,” Colmenares stressed.
He urged witnesses and families of victims to utilize the platform while ensuring their safety and security. “We encourage those with direct knowledge of these killings to come forward through this secure channel. Mahalagang magkaroon ng hustisya, at ang bawat ebidensyang maibibigay ay hakbang patungo sa pagpapanagot sa mga responsable sa mga pagpatay na ito.”
Colmenares also called on the Marcos administration to reconsider its position of non-cooperation with the ICC. “The government should stop obstructing justice and instead help facilitate the investigation. The victims’ families have waited far too long for accountability,” he concluded.#
