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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Human rights groups welcome De Lima's plan to assist in ICC's illegal drugs probe

Human rights groups welcome De Lima's plan to assist in ICC's illegal drugs probe

Published Nov 26, 2023 04:22 am

Human rights groups welcomed the possible assistance and cooperation by former senator Leila M. de Lima in the probe by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on alleged crimes against humanity during the illegal drugs operations of then President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

In a joint statement, the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) and Rise Up, a group formed during the upsurge of deaths in drugs operations, said  they "warmly welcome the interest of former Commission on Human Rights chairperson and then justice secretary De Lima to assist in the ICC investigation...."

De Lima had earlier disclosed her plan to coordinate with the ICC since she wanted to continue her advocacy on human rights and the rule of law. She was also among those who initiated a probe into the drugs war.

She had been in detention for more than seven years since 2017 on three illegal drugs cases filed in court.  She had been acquitted of the charges in two cases. She was released recently on bail granted by the court on her third and last case.

The Philippines withdrew its membership in the ICC last 2018 and the withdrawal took effect in 2019.

Since then and until recently, several sectors -- including incumbent legislators -- have urged President Marcos to rejoin ICC.

Last Nov. 24, the President said the Philippines is studying if it could return to the ICC.

"There is also a question: Should we return under the fold of the ICC? So, that’s again under study. So, we’ll just keep looking at it and see what our options are," the President said.

NUPL and Rise Up reminded: "There is no investigation or prosecution for crimes against humanity in the Philippines. This was why the victims turned to the ICC in 2018 to ask for remedy."

The groups lamented that after several years "there has been no review of policy nor even recognition of the widespread abuses by government.”

“This is precisely why the ICC approved the resumption of the investigation into the Philippine situation,” they said.

"Instead of harping on the matter of jurisdiction, which has been resolved by both Filipino and international courts, we call on current government officials to focus on obtaining justice for victims of the ‘war on drugs,'" they pointed out. 

"When domestic legal systems are unable to take cognizance of the matter because of political considerations, the international court can supplement the justice system using their resources, expertise, and impartial personnel,” the groups said. 

At the same time, they asked the President to “reconsider his position to disengage with the ICC, and eventually, his position not to  rejoin the assembly of ICC state parties.”

“Members of Congress should listen to their constituents' persistent clamor for justice, in looking at the resolutions in the House of Representatives pushing for official cooperation,” they added.

 

 

 

 

 

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