ICC launches witness appeal on Duterte’s drug war

Metro Manila, Philippines — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has launched a witness appeal in relation to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody campaign against illegal drugs.

In a Facebook post, ICC assistant to counsel Kristina Conti said those who have "credible" information about Duterte’s drug war can submit through https://appeals.icc-cpi.int.

“Info transmitted will be kept confidential, but with consent can be brought up during trial,” Conti said on Saturday, Nov. 30.

Former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares, one of the counsels of the families of extrajudicial killing victims, said the platform is a “significant step toward justice.”

“Even with the original set of witnesses the evidence is already enough. The previous part of the investigation is gathering documentary evidence and interviewing informants. Now they are asking those who have sent their sworn statements or allowed themselves to be interviewed, if they want to appear in the trial,” he said in a statement on Sunday, Dec. 1.

“Additionally by announcing the process for witnesses, the ICC is encouraging those from the police ranks and other insiders to testify as witnesses,” Colmenares added.

He encouraged witnesses and the kin of victims to come forward and use the witness appeal platform.

The lawyer said it is “highly possible” that the ICC has completed its probe and is preparing for trial.

Colmenares urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to reconsider his stance of non-cooperation with the ICC.

Duterte, together with former national police chief and now Senator Bato dela Rosa, are being investigated for supposed crimes against humanity for extrajudicial killings in relation to the drug war.

The drug war death toll reached up to 30,000, based on human rights groups’ records.