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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider If evidence warrants, DOJ vows to prosecute persons 'tagged for crimes against humanity'

If evidence warrants, DOJ vows to prosecute persons 'tagged for crimes against humanity'

Published Dec 19, 2024 07:41 am

If evidence warrants, the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday, Dec. 19, vowed to prosecute those who may have committed crimes against humanity.

DOJ Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes T. Andres made the assurance in response to the report released by the House of Representatives Quad Committee (Quad-com) that recommended the filing of charges for crimes against humanity against former President Rodrigo R. Duterte and his allies Senators Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa and Christopher "Bong" Go in the illegal drugs operations during the past administration.

“Kami po ay nakakasigurado na hindi po kami magpapafile ng harassment case (we assure that we will not file harassment case),” Andres told journalists in an interview.

“But when the evidence warrants, ‘pag meron po tayong sapat na ebidensya (when there is enough evidence), we will hold people accountable,” he stressed.

Now that the Quad-com has released the report, Andres said there will be “a very intensive case build-up effort.”

He reminded that the DOJ has previously formed a task force that has been conducting an investigation on extrajudicial killings (EJKs).

“‘Yung pong earlier na binuo na task force on extrajudicial killings ay nakapagsimula na po ng pagkalap ng ebidensya at icoconsolidate natin ‘yan kasama nung bagong committee report ng Quad-com (The findings of the DOJ task force on extrajudicial killings and the Quad-com will be consolidated),” he explained.

“So ‘pag pinagsama-sama natin ‘yan magkakaroon tayo ng evaluation at (So, once we gather these, we will have an evaluation and) we will have a follow-up investigation and additional subpoenas to be issued to witnesses so that we will complete the necessary evidence to determine whether this crime of IHL, International Humanitarian Law, or crimes against humanity was really committed,” he also said.

He said the DOJ will determine if there is still a need to subpoena former presiddent Duterte.

“But as of now, there are already admissions on record made by the former president and that is evidence that is admissible because these are all under oath and in a public proceeding,” he added.

President Marcos had earlier said he is leaving it to the DOJ whether or not to press charges against former president Duterte and other individuals for crimes against humanity.

"The DOJ has to make that assessment. Ganoon naman talaga ang proseso (that's the process)," the President said.

"When they (Quad-comm) do an oversight hearing, meron silang findings, ifo-forward nila ngayon sa DOJ (they will forward their findings to the DOJ) with their own recommendations as to how to handle the findings in the hearings," he added.

The President also said the DOJ would then analyze these findings to determine if there is sufficient ground to file cases against Duterte and his allies, what specific charges could be applicable, and how to construct a legal case.

He stressed the need for a thorough assessment before any legal actions could be pursued.

Related Tags

DOJ Drug war Rodrigo Duterte
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