Malacañang announced on Friday that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will not directly cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in assisting witnesses who will testify against former President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war.
In a press conference, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the DOJ is prepared to help witnesses facing not only the ICC but also other investigating bodies to ensure justice for the victims of Duterte’s controversial campaign against illegal drugs.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of serving justice to those who deserve it, according to Castro. “It can be said that it is indirectly cooperating with the ICC, but the primary intention of the government is to help the victims and the witnesses of the victims to get the justice they need,” she explained.
Castro added, “Tutulungan ng DOJ ang mga witness para makapag-testify para mabigyan ng hustisya ang dapat mabigyan ng hustisya. Hindi directly makikipagtulungan sa ICC (The DOJ will help the witnesses to testify to give justice to those who should be given justice. It will not directly cooperate with the ICC).”
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed on Wednesday that there was a request to place witnesses in the crimes against humanity case against Duterte under the Witness Protection Program (WPP) for their security. He noted that while the ICC reached out to the DOJ’s WPP, no official request was made.
Remulla confirmed that the DOJ would extend assistance to the witnesses as long as they are under the Philippines’ jurisdiction. Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity related to deaths linked to his drug war.
Additionally, the Philippine News Agency reported that the Australian government is aware of Duterte’s application for interim release to a third unnamed country but has not agreed to host him if granted such release.
