FORMER Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has challenged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to come to the Philippines “as soon as tomorrow” to investigate him for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his controversial anti-drug campaign.
“I am asking the ICC to hurry up and, if possible, start the investigation tomorrow,” Duterte said during a House QuadComm hearing on drug war killings from his administration. “This issue has been left unresolved for years. I could die before they even investigate me,” he added, urging the ICC to expedite their inquiry.
Duterte expressed his willingness to face the consequences. “If I am found guilty, I will go to prison and rot there,” he said. “The ICC doesn’t scare me. I did what I did for my country and for the youth affected by drugs. I have no excuses, no apologies.”
Duterte and several former officials are under ICC investigation for alleged crimes against humanity, including systematic killings in police anti-drug operations.
According to police data, drug war-related deaths number around 6,000, though human rights groups estimate up to 30,000, including vigilante killings allegedly spurred by Duterte’s policies.
Admissions and Controversial Statements
During Wednesday’s hearing, Duterte claimed to have “killed” at least six people himself. “I killed many—about six or seven. I don’t know if they all died; I didn’t follow up,” he said in response to a question from House Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas.
He further claimed to have killed corrupt police officers in Davao City. “I killed a lot of criminal cops in Davao who were involved in kidnapping and rape. You can ask around; I did it face-to-face.”
However, he clarified that he only ordered police to kill suspects who resisted violently, saying, “You can kill the criminal if you are personally in danger of losing your life.”
Questioning ICC Jurisdiction
Duterte has previously dismissed the ICC’s jurisdiction over the Philippines. “What is the ICC? I do not recognize that,” he said in August. “I am a lawyer and a former prosecutor, and I question their jurisdiction here.” He has also criticized the ICC’s focus on the Philippines, pointing to unresolved cases in other nations under ICC scrutiny.
President Marcos’ Position
Current President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has stated that his administration will not cooperate with the ICC or enforce any arrest warrant against Duterte. “We don’t recognize the warrant they may issue,” Marcos said, emphasizing that the Philippines has a functioning judicial system and does not need ICC intervention.
Marcos has also described the ICC’s involvement as a potential threat to Philippine sovereignty.