A Manila lawmaker is calling on Philippine authorities to cooperate with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into the drug war deaths. The lawmaker, Benny Abante Jr., filed a House Resolution urging the Marcos administration to cooperate with the ICC.
The resolution notes that the ICC has jurisdiction over any alleged crimes against humanity committed in the Philippines during the Duterte administration’s drug war, despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC in 2019. The resolution also cites the ICC’s denial of the Philippine government’s appeal to stop the ICC probe.
The lawmaker’s call for cooperation comes after the ICC Prosecutor Pre-Trial Chamber observed that there is evidence of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population in the Philippines during the drug war.
The ICC is a court of last resort that investigates and prosecutes individuals accused of the most serious crimes of international concern, namely genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The Philippines was a member of the ICC from 2001 until 2019, when it withdrew from the court.
The ICC’s investigation into the drug war deaths is ongoing. The court has not yet made any determinations about whether any crimes have been committed.
The Philippine government has maintained that the drug war is a legitimate law enforcement operation. However, human rights groups have accused the government of carrying out extrajudicial killings and other human rights abuses in the name of the drug war.
The ICC’s investigation is a controversial issue in the Philippines. Some people believe that the investigation is necessary to hold those responsible for human rights abuses accountable. Others believe that the investigation is an unwarranted intrusion into Philippine affairs.
The Philippine government has said that it will cooperate with the ICC investigation if the court provides it with “clear and convincing evidence” that crimes against humanity have been committed.
The ICC’s investigation is likely to have a significant impact on the Philippines. The investigation could lead to the prosecution of Philippine government officials and could also damage the country’s international reputation.
It remains to be seen whether the ICC’s investigation will result in any prosecutions. However, the investigation is already having a significant impact on the Philippines. The investigation is a reminder of the dark chapter of the drug war and is forcing the country to confront its past.