Remulla

ICC investigation will not be blocked

January 21, 2024 People's Journal 390 views

THE Department of Justice (DoJ) will not block the investigators of the International Criminal Court (ICC) who are said to be investigating the bloody war on drugs of the Duterte administration if their goal is to obtain evidence and testimony.

According to Justice Sec. Jesus Crispin Remulla, it is important that the legal process is followed and that the ICC probers are not doing anything illegal.

“We’re not here to stop them because if they’re not doing anything illegal, there’s nothing wrong with that,” said Remulla in an interview with an international news agency.

“If they’re getting statements, they’re getting evidence. It’s okay,” said the DOJ secretary.

“But we have to clarify many issues, especially about procedure,” added Remulla.

It can be remembered that the Philippines, under the Duterte administration, withdrew its membership from the ICC, after it heard the complaint of crimes against humanity in relation to the thousands of deaths in the previous administration’s war on drugs campaign.

The ICC investigation continued although its scope was limited during the period when the Philippines was still a member of the ICC.

Earlier, former Sen. Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes III that the ICC’s investigation in the country may be over and it is already preparing the case against Duterte and his accomplices.

Remulla says he has heard such talk.

He added that the process must be followed and respect for human rights must be ensured.

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