GOV’T WON’T BLOCK ICC IF DUTERTE WANTS TO BE INVESTIGATED OVER ‘BLOODY’ DRUG WAR– MARCOS

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Thursday said his government would not block the International Criminal Court (ICC) if former chief executive Rodrigo R. Duterte wants to be investigated for alleged crimes against humanity in his deadly war on drugs.

But Marcos clarified that Philippines will not cooperate in any investigation of the ICC over the illegal drug campaign of the previous administration unless permitted by the former president.

“Well, as the comment of the Executive Secretary, the former Chief Justice, if ‘yun ang gugustuhin ni PRRD ay hindi naman kami haharang doon sa mga ICC. Hindi lang kami tutulong. Ngunit kung pumapayag siya na makipag-usap siya o magpa-imbestiga siya sa ICC ay nasa kanya ‘yun. Wala na kaming desisyon doon,” President Marcos said referring to Duterte.

President Marcos made the remarks on the sidelines of aid distribution to farmers and fisherfolk in Cavite when sought for comment on the supposed ICC probe on Duterte’s bloody drug war.

Meanwhile, President Marcos said the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are investigating the former administration’s anti-drug campaign.

Authorities are waiting for the investigation’s findings, he said, adding that there are still unanswered questions.

The President said the Department of Justice (DOJ) will be responsible in continuing the reexamination of the case, the statements and testimonies.

“But you know, all of the testimony that was given yesterday really – will be taken in and will be assessed to see what – in legal terms, what is the real meaning and consequence of some of the statements made by FPRRD,” he added.

“Now, if that will result in a case being filed here in the Philippines, we will just have to see. The DOJ will have to make that assessment,” he added.

Asked if the Philippines has changed its position on the ICC probe, President Marcos stood firm that the Philippines will not cooperate with any investigation of the international court.

The President, however, said the Philippines will comply with its obligations to the Interpol.