PNP: Cooperation with ICC voluntary

Police personnel are not barred from testifying before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its investigation into the war on drugs during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.

PNP spokesperson P/Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño clarified during a press briefing Monday at Camp Crame that the ICC’s appeal for witnesses to testify was not a formal summons and cooperation was entirely voluntary.

“Their call is just that, a call. No official summons has been received. This is simply an invitation to cooperate voluntarily,” Tuaño said.

He said the official PNP position was that it would not compel or prevent any member of the force from testifying.

“The PNP does not stop or forbid any member who wants to testify in response to the ICC’s appeal,” he said.

Tuaño advised police personnel planning to cooperate with the ICC should seek legal counsel, stressing that their participation is a personal decision.

“We remind our personnel that cooperation is a personal legal decision,” he said.

He emphasized that the organization respects due process and the legal rights of its members, including those who may choose to engage with the ICC.

The ICC Office of the Prosecutor, in an online statement, called for direct witnesses to come forward, including members of the PNP and other law enforcement agencies who may have been involved in incidents under investigation. Those who wish to participate may confidentially submit information through the ICC’s online portal.

The Office of the Prosecutor is investigating allegations of crimes against humanity, including killings, torture, and sexual violence, allegedly committed during the anti-drug campaign from 1 November 2011 to 19 March 2019.