Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has called on his supporters to refrain from making public statements regarding the ongoing investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) into allegations of crimes against humanity linked to his controversial war on drugs.
Duterte’s statement comes as the ICC continues to examine claims of human rights violations that reportedly resulted in the deaths of thousands of individuals during his administration’s anti-narcotics campaign. The investigation has garnered attention from various international organizations, including the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), which has urged the Philippine government to grant the ICC access to critical evidence related to the drug war.
The Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) has also initiated its own probe into Duterte’s possible accountability for the deaths of alleged drug offenders. DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that the former president is under scrutiny for potential breaches of international humanitarian law.
Despite the ongoing investigations, Duterte has remained steadfast in defending his administration’s policies, maintaining that his campaign against illegal drugs was necessary to curb criminal activities and protect Filipinos. However, human rights advocates continue to push for transparency and justice for the victims of the drug war.
The ICC investigation remains a contentious issue in the Philippines, with Duterte’s supporters and critics divided on the matter. While some argue that the probe is a necessary step toward accountability, others see it as an infringement on the country’s sovereignty.
As legal proceedings progress, the international community closely watches how the Philippine government will navigate its stance on the ICC case and whether it will cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
