The Philippines has shown a more conciliatory approach regarding the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) inquiry into purported crimes linked to the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that talks with the ICC could be on the horizon.
“We will talk to them soon in a very well-defined manner, in the spirit of comity. Some people are trying to bridge the divide to bring us together, so we can sit at one table,” Remulla stated.
He underscored the importance of establishing clear parameters for these discussions.
Additionally, the justice secretary noted that ICC representatives have visited the Philippines without any government pushback, suggesting that the ICC’s efforts could enhance the nation’s own investigative processes.
However, he dismissed rumors about the Philippines rejoining the ICC, labeling it as a separate matter altogether.
This marks a notable departure from the government’s earlier staunch opposition to the ICC, which it had previously argued did not have jurisdiction.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had indicated that his administration would not obstruct the ICC’s investigation and would adhere to any international arrest warrants that might arise, especially following Duterte’s provocative remarks urging the ICC to expedite its inquiry.
The ICC’s investigation, initiated in 2023, aims to scrutinize the thousands of killings allegedly associated with Duterte’s bloody anti-drug campaign. (ZIA LUNA)
