The International Criminal Court (ICC) has intensified its call for witnesses to step forward with information about alleged crimes against humanity during former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterteโs controversial war on drugs.
Through a public notice in both Filipino and English, the Hague-based tribunal urged individuals with knowledge of atrocitiesโincluding killings, torture, and sexual violenceโto provide crucial testimony.
A Call to Witnesses, Including Law Enforcers
The ICCโs appeal extends not only to victims and eyewitnesses but also to members of law enforcement agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
These agencies were deeply involved in the Duterte administrationโs anti-drug operations from June 2016 to March 2019.
To facilitate this, the ICC launched a secure online platform that allows witnesses to share information anonymously. The platform does not require names but asks users to include contact details, such as a phone number or email address, and their affiliationโwhether as government officials, law enforcement personnel, or victims.
Witnesses can also submit evidence, including documents, videos, or audio recordings, through the site. To ensure secure communication, the ICC will provide witnesses with a unique code word for verification.
Voices of Justice: Legal Experts Speak Out
Atty. Kristina Conti, who represents families of drug war victims, highlighted the significance of the ICCโs online initiative, especially since the Philippines is no longer an ICC member. Without jurisdiction to establish an office in the country, the tribunal relies heavily on virtual channels.
“You don’t need to buy a plane ticket to The Hague to testify,” Conti said, emphasizing how accessible the platform is for Filipinos seeking justice. She believes the ICC is gathering evidence to directly connect Duterte to the killings.
While witness protection cannot be guaranteed for all, Conti explained that the ICC offers a witness protection program. Those deemed crucial to the case may receive security measures, including possible relocation within the Philippines or abroad.
Mounting Pressure for Accountability
The ICCโs call for witnesses comes amid escalating tensions following Duterteโs recent taunt daring the tribunal to investigate him. “I am asking the ICC to hurry up,” Duterte said during a congressional probe on November 13.
Families of victims hope this renewed effort will lead to the issuance of an arrest warrant against Duterte by December. Conti expressed optimism, stating that even if delayed, the warrant could be issued in 2025.
The Philippine National Police has stated its readiness to assist INTERPOL in enforcing any ICC-issued warrants. If Duterte is apprehended, he would first be transferred to a member state of the ICC, such as Japan or South Korea, before being sent to The Hague for trial.
A Complicated Legal Landscape
Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICCโs founding Rome Statute in 2018, with the withdrawal taking effect in 2019. His decision came in response to the ICCโs preliminary investigation into the drug war. Current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has since maintained that the Philippines does not recognize ICC jurisdiction, complicating efforts to pursue justice.
Despite this, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has stated it will neither assist nor obstruct the ICCโs actions. Meanwhile, the DOJ is conducting its own probe into alleged abuses during Duterteโs drug war.
Seeking Justice in a Digital Era
For victims and witnesses, the ICCโs online platform represents a vital avenue for seeking accountability. While the path to justice is fraught with legal and political challenges, the courtโs outreach signals a persistent commitment to uncovering the truth.
As the world watches, the ICCโs actions could mark a turning point for justice in the Philippinesโproviding hope for the families of those who lost their lives in a war that left scars on the nation.
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