Photo credit: Boying Remulla

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has confirmed that the Philippine government is working with the International Criminal Court (ICC) to ensure the safety and protection of witnesses involved in the investigation of alleged crimes against humanity linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.

According to Remulla, the collaboration with the ICC began as early as May. The move signals a shift in the government’s stance amid ongoing international scrutiny over the thousands of deaths reported during Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.

While the Philippines officially withdrew from the ICC in 2019, the court maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed during the period the country was still a member. The ICC has been conducting a probe into the drug war, which has drawn widespread criticism from human rights groups for alleged extrajudicial killings and lack of accountability.

Remulla did not elaborate on the details of the cooperation but emphasized that the government’s engagement centers specifically on protecting individuals who may provide crucial testimonies. This step, he noted, aligns with the country’s commitment to uphold justice and human rights, even as it navigates the complex legal and political dimensions of the ICC investigation.

The Department of Justice’s involvement in securing witness protection is seen as a significant development, particularly given the Duterte administration’s earlier resistance to the ICC’s jurisdiction and investigation.

As the probe continues, international observers and domestic stakeholders alike are closely monitoring how the Philippine government balances its internal legal processes with international expectations for accountability and transparency.