Philippines’ Former President Rodrigo Duterte Urges ICC to “Hurry Up” with War on Drugs Probe

ICC Investigation into Thousands of Deaths and Rights Abuses

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to “hurry up” with its investigation into his administration’s war on drugs, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of people. Speaking during a congressional inquiry on his war on drugs, Duterte reiterated his defense of the campaign, saying that he assumed full responsibility for the actions taken by law enforcement agencies to combat the drug problem.

“I’m asking the ICC to hurry up, and if possible, they can come here and start the investigation tomorrow,” Duterte said. “If I am found guilty, I will go to prison.”

Controversial War on Drugs

Under Duterte’s presidency, which ended in 2022, more than 6,200 people died in anti-drug operations, with police typically claiming that they had killed suspects in self-defense. However, human rights groups believe the real toll to be far greater, with thousands more users and small-time peddlers killed in mysterious circumstances by unknown assailants.

Duterte has consistently defended his war on drugs, claiming that it was necessary to combat the country’s drug problem, which he described as a “serious problem affecting our people.” He has also accused critics of the campaign of being “paid” by drug lords to discredit his administration.

ICC Investigation Launched

In 2022, the ICC cleared the way for an investigation into the thousands of deaths and other suspected rights abuses that occurred during Duterte’s presidency. The Philippines withdrew from the ICC in March 2019, when Duterte was still in office. However, appeals judges at the ICC subsequently ruled that prosecutors still had jurisdiction over the alleged crimes because they occurred when the Philippines was an ICC member.

Duterte’s Defense

Despite the controversy surrounding his war on drugs, Duterte remains firm in his defense of the campaign. In his congressional testimony, he emphasized his commitment to eradicating the drug problem in the Philippines, saying that he was willing to take responsibility for any mistakes made during his presidency.

“I assume full responsibility for whatever happened in the actions taken by law enforcement agencies of this country to… stop the serious problem of drugs affecting our people,” Duterte said.

Conclusion

The ICC investigation into Duterte’s war on drugs is likely to be a long and complex process. The Philippine government has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and Duterte has continued to defend his administration’s actions. However, the ICC’s decision to launch an investigation marks a significant step forward for victims and their families, who have been seeking justice for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the International Criminal Court (ICC)?
A: The ICC is an independent, international tribunal that investigates and prosecutes individuals for serious crimes, such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

Q: What is the controversy surrounding Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs?
A: The controversy surrounding Duterte’s war on drugs is centered on the thousands of deaths that occurred during his presidency, with human rights groups accusing the government of extrajudicial killings and other rights abuses.

Q: Why did the Philippines withdraw from the ICC?
A: The Philippines withdrew from the ICC in March 2019, citing concerns over the court’s jurisdiction and potential interference in the country’s internal affairs.

Q: What is the significance of the ICC investigation into Duterte’s war on drugs?
A: The ICC investigation into Duterte’s war on drugs marks a significant step forward for victims and their families, who have been seeking justice for years. It also highlights the importance of international accountability and the need for governments to respect human rights and the rule of law.