MANILA: The Philippine government has declared it will not rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC), despite new testimonies during a House of Representatives investigation into alleged extrajudicial killings linked to the former administration’s drug war. This decision follows significant statements made last week by a retired police officer and a self-confessed drug lord implicating former President Rodrigo Duterte.
According to Philippines News Agency, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin affirmed the government’s stance, stating, “The Philippines will not return to ICC.” He emphasized that recent developments in the House probe would not sway the current administration to refer the matter to the international tribunal. Former police officer Royina Garma and self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa testified that the so-called extrajudicial killings had been sanctioned by Duterte, who is currently under an ICC probe for his role in the anti-narcotics campaign.
Despite calls from the National Union of
Peoples’ Lawyers and ICC-accredited assistant to counsel, Kristina Conti, for President Marcos to submit the investigation materials to the ICC, Marcos has maintained that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over the Philippines, asserting that the country’s judicial system is fully functional.
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra suggested that the House committee, known as the quadcom, should consider transferring its records to executive department offices such as the Department of Justice, National Bureau of Investigation, or the Ombudsman for further investigation and prosecution. “It would even be better if all pieces of evidence gathered from the congressional committee hearings are turned over to our own executive agencies for appropriate investigation and prosecution,” Guevarra stated.
Additionally, the government has expressed its support for the filing of cases against resigned National Police Commission (Napolcom) commissioner Edilberto Leonardo, who has been linked to several controversial killings. Leona
rdo, a Duterte appointee, resigned after allegations surfaced regarding his involvement in the 2020 murder of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office board secretary Wesley Barayuga and the killing of three Chinese drug convicts in a Davao prison in 2016. Leonardo has denied all allegations.