ICC Rejects Philippine Government's Appeal, Allowing Investigation into Duterte's Drug War Killings

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has rejected the Philippine government's appeal to block an investigation into the killings that occurred during former President Rodrigo Duterte's "war on drugs."

The ICC's decision comes after it announced in January that it would revive its investigation into possible "crimes against humanity" during Duterte's tenure.

Police data shows that over 6,000 people have been killed in anti-drug operations since Duterte launched his drug war in 2016, but independent monitors believe the number could be even higher, particularly in the poorest areas of the country.

Kristina Conti, a lawyer representing families of drug war victims, expressed hope that the ICC's decision "will be a turn in the tide against impunity in the Philippines." Many victims and their families have long been seeking justice for the human rights abuses committed during the drug war, which they argue disproportionately targeted the poor and marginalized.

The Philippine government, under both Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has strongly opposed the ICC's probe into the drug war, denouncing it as unjust and an infringement on national sovereignty.

Duterte cancelled the Philippines' membership with the ICC in 2018, but under the court's withdrawal mechanism, it still maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed during the country's membership period.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stated that the Philippine government would not execute any arrest warrants issued by the ICC, claiming that the country has its own legal system to handle drug crimes. Remulla accused the ICC of having a "political agenda" and interfering with the country's freedom and sovereignty.

Human Rights Watch and other organizations welcomed the ICC's ruling as a step towards justice for the victims and their families. Bryony Lau, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, called on the Marcos administration to fulfill its commitment to human rights and cooperate with the court's investigation.

The drug war led by Duterte resulted in the extrajudicial killings of thousands of Filipinos, primarily low-level drug dealers and users, with widespread allegations of near impunity for law enforcement. While Philippine National Police reported nearly 6,000 deaths during Duterte's administration, human rights groups claim the actual death toll could be three times higher.

A United Nations report alleged that tens of thousands of people, including children, were killed during the drug war. Duterte, who has repeatedly urged police to "kill drug suspects," denies giving instructions to kill, except in self-defense.

He has stated that he is willing to face his accusers in a Philippine court, but not before the ICC. The Philippine government asserts its commitment to internal investigation and prosecution related to the drug war, despite the ICC's ongoing probe.