20-7-2023 (MANILA) The International Criminal Court (ICC) has taken a significant step in its investigation into thousands of extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses during the war on drugs under former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. The recent judgment issued by the ICC Appeals Chamber has allowed the resumption of the investigation, prompting reactions from the Philippine government and various stakeholders.
The ICC Prosecutor now has the authority to apply for arrest warrants at the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber. However, the Philippine government has firmly stated that it will not implement any arrest warrants issued by the ICC. Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla emphatically expressed the government’s rejection of any potential warrants, questioning the ICC’s intentions and sovereignty implications.
The investigation will focus on the drug war, which resulted in the deaths of at least 6,200 people in police operations, according to government records. Human rights groups, however, contend that the actual death toll may be much higher, ranging from 12,000 to 30,000.
Lawyers’ groups representing victims in the drug war hailed the ICC’s decision as a major step towards justice for those affected. The Center for International Law (CenterLaw) and National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) emphasized that the decision answers the prayers of the victims’ communities seeking justice for their murdered family members. They called on the Marcos administration to cooperate fully with ICC prosecutors in their investigation, urging the government to take human rights commitments seriously.
The Philippines formally withdrew from the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, in 2018. Nevertheless, the ICC clarified that it retains jurisdiction over crimes committed before the country’s withdrawal. The refusal to cooperate with the ICC may impact the country’s international standing and President Marcos’ sovereign wealth fund, according to Infrawatch PH, an infrastructure-oriented think tank.
Vice President Sara Duterte declined to comment on the ICC ruling, leaving questions about her involvement in the investigation unanswered. Earlier reports indicated that she might be included in some ICC documents.
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) urged the Marcos administration to view the ICC’s decision as an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to a high level of accountability for human rights violations. The CHR offered its assistance to the government in fulfilling its obligations to protect and respect human rights.
Progressive women’s group Gabriela expressed hope that the ICC investigation would bring accountability for Duterte’s drug war. They called on the Marcos administration to respect the ICC’s decision, moving closer to the truth and justice for the victims’ families.
The ICC investigation has evoked anticipation from the Catholic Church, with a high-ranking priest hoping that it will lead to the identification and punishment of those responsible for the violent crackdowns during the drug war. The priest emphasized that the cost of lives should never be ignored in the pursuit of justice.
