ICC ‘following developments’ in PH over drug war investigation

Metro Manila, Philippines — The International Criminal Court (ICC) is closely “following the development” in the Philippines regarding the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

In a statement to NewsWatch Plus, the ICC confirmed that its probe into alleged crimes against humanity during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s term is ongoing. The investigation covers actions committed from November 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019.

“The ICC Office of the Prosecutor has an ongoing investigation in relation to the situation in the Philippines,” the ICC statement read.

The Office of the Prosecutor clarified that its investigation is informed by a diverse range of sources.

“They can encompass Article 15 communications, information from States, international partners and civil society, open-source information, and the direct collection of evidence by the Office, including interviews with witnesses,” the office said.

“In this light, the Office follows developments in the Philippines closely, as to their relevance for its ongoing investigation,” it added.

The ICC did not comment on how the recent Senate and House quad committee inquiries might impact its investigation into the war on drugs campaign.

“With regard to questions on details of the Office’s investigation, the Office does not comment on operational matters with respect to ongoing investigations,” the ICC added.

Pimentel: Senate records open to public, international bodies can request true copies

Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel, who led the Senate Blue Ribbon sub-committee hearing on Monday, told NewsWatch Plus that materials gathered by the Senate would be made available to the public.

“We are offering so far, kung ano man yung hawak namin, so far, one day's worth, one hearing's worth of material open to the public, hingiin nila, we will give them the certified true copies, or whatever documents na properly submitted to us including affidavits na binigay sa amin,” Pimentel said.

[Translation: We are offering whatever documents we have on hand — currently, one day’s worth, one hearing’s worth of material open to the public. If they request it, we will give them certified true copies or any documents properly submitted to us, including affidavits provided to us.]

The senator added that no Senate rule restricts them from granting requests from international bodies.

“Kung humingi, ibibigay po natin unless may objection, i-discuss natin then subject to vote na iyan. Pero pagdating sa mga Pilipino, open ang records ng Senado at ibibigay sa kanila,” he added.

[Translation: If requested, we will give it unless there’s an objection, which we will discuss, then it’s subject to a vote. But for Filipinos, Senate records are open, and we will give them access.]