ICC probe unofficial — Remulla
He said ICC investigators would need to collaborate with the Philippine government on a formal investigation in accordance with international law.
He said ICC investigators would need to collaborate with the Philippine government on a formal investigation in accordance with international law.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla likened the potential presence of International Criminal Court investigators in the country, probing the Duterte administration's war on drugs, to an unofficial affair.
Remulla's statement came in response to reports suggesting that ICC investigators had arrived in the country and commenced their investigation.
He said ICC investigators would need to collaborate with the Philippine government on a formal investigation in accordance with international law.
The ICC, he added, has not contacted the Department of Justice, which is its responsibility under international law.
He said until they do so, any investigation was formal and needed to be cleared by the government.
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"Moreover, we must uphold the rights of the accused. Disregarding that is not an option. They need to initiate contact and adhere to protocols to ensure a credible process," Remulla said.
Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros filed a Senate resolution last month urging Malacañang to cooperate with the ICC and accommodate the international tribunal's bid to start an investigation into the human rights situation in the country.
After she filed Senate Resolution No. 867, Hontiveros said the ideal way for the Philippine government to uphold human rights is to work with the ICC.
At the House of Representatives, Committee on Human Rights Chairperson Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. submitted a resolution urging departments of the Executive Branch to cooperate with the ICC.
House Resolution No. 1477, co-filed with Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez, was referred to the House Committee on Justice's plenary session for deliberation.
