THE International Criminal Court (ICC) has reportedly concluded its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration and is preparing for trial, according to Neri Colmenares, counsel for victims of extrajudicial killings and families affected by Duterte’s drug war.
Colmenares, a former Bayan Muna representative and accredited ICC counsel, revealed that the court is now urging police officers and insiders to testify as witnesses, in addition to the “original set” of witnesses already deemed sufficient. He characterized this development as a critical phase in the pursuit of justice for thousands of victims.
“This is a welcome development that brings us closer to achieving justice for the victims and their families,” Colmenares said. He expressed hope that the ICC would soon issue an arrest warrant to ensure Duterte’s participation in the proceedings, citing the strength of existing evidence.
New Witness Platform Launched
In a significant move, the ICC recently launched a witness appeal platform designed to collect credible evidence and encourage more witnesses to come forward. Colmenares suggested this initiative signals the ICC’s readiness for trial, indicating that its investigation into Duterte’s administration—marked by a drug war that left thousands dead between 2016 and 2022—may now be complete.
The new platform could also strengthen cases against other respondents aside from Duterte, Colmenares noted. He encouraged individuals with firsthand knowledge of the drug war to cooperate, emphasizing that “every piece of evidence contributes to holding those responsible accountable.”
Justice Officials and Resistance
While the ICC has not officially announced trial preparations, various parties have suggested progress is imminent. In January, former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV speculated that a warrant for Duterte could be issued by mid-2024.
Domestically, the House of Representatives has been holding hearings on drug war-related killings. However, the quad committee overseeing these inquiries stated it would not voluntarily provide transcripts to ICC investigators, instead directing them to public records. Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reiterated his administration’s refusal to cooperate with the ICC, asserting that the court can conduct its investigations independently.
Despite this stance, Colmenares urged the government to support the ICC process, arguing that justice for victims is long overdue. “The government should stop obstructing justice and instead help facilitate the investigation,” he said.
ICC’s Jurisdiction Over the Case
Duterte dismissed the ICC investigation during his presidency, labeling the tribunal “useless” and initiating the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2018. However, the ICC Appeals Chamber later ruled that crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member fall within its jurisdiction, allowing the investigation to proceed.
As the ICC advances its efforts to seek accountability, Colmenares underscored the importance of cooperation from witnesses and officials, emphasizing that victims’ families have waited far too long for justice.