Possible DOJ cooperation with ICC inquiry welcomed
SENATOR Risa Hontiveros has welcomed Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla’s remarks signaling possible cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.
“Secretary Remulla’s pronouncement on the ICC’s investigation on Duterte’s war on drugs gives us hope that real justice for the thousands of victims of the former administration’s killing spree could finally come,” Hontiveros said.
She highlighted the need for the Philippine government to assist in the ICC’s probe, emphasizing that such cooperation is crucial not just to honor treaty obligations but also to address the long-standing cries for justice from the victims’ families.
“Kung magkaroon man ng pag-uusap sa pagitan ng ating gobyerno at ng ICC, makita sana ng gobyerno na kailangan nitong tumulong sa imbestigasyon, ‘di lang dahil sa treaty obligations natin, kundi lalo na para sa mga pamilya nina Kian delos Santos, Carl Angelo Arnaiz, Reynaldo ‘Kulot’ de Guzman, at iba pang mga pamilya na matagal nang dumadaing ng hustisya,” she added.
The ICC continues to investigate thousands of extrajudicial killings linked to the anti-drug campaign, asserting jurisdiction over crimes committed before the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019.
Hontiveros stressed the importance of impartiality in investigating these crimes, stating that justice for victims cannot be achieved solely through internal mechanisms. “The government cannot credibly investigate itself in cases where state-sponsored killings are alleged to be part of official policy. That is why international mechanisms like the ICC are essential,” she argued in earlier discussions.
Justice Secretary Remulla recently hinted at a possible shift in the government’s stance, suggesting openness to cooperating with the ICC in specific areas. This marks a significant departure from the Duterte administration’s refusal to engage with the court.
For Hontiveros, this potential cooperation represents an opportunity to address a long-overdue reckoning. She reiterated that the ICC investigation is not only a matter of legal obligation but also a necessary step toward delivering justice for the victims and their families.
