Former President Rodrigo Duterte has challenged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to commence its investigation into his controversial anti-drug campaign as early as tomorrow. Speaking at the House QuadComm probe on drug-related killings during his administration, Duterte expressed readiness to face the ICC’s scrutiny over alleged crimes against humanity linked to his drug war.
“I’m asking the ICC to hurry up; if they can, let them start the investigation tomorrow,” Duterte said. “This has been unresolved for years. I could die before they even get to investigate me,” he added, reiterating his willingness to accept the outcome of such an investigation. “If I am found guilty, I’ll go to prison and rot there for all time.”
Despite his challenge to the ICC, Duterte underscored that he does not fear its involvement. “The ICC does not scare me. They can come anytime. I welcome their investigation; I did it for my country and the young people affected by drugs,” he declared.
Admission of Killings
During the probe, Duterte also admitted to personally killing people, including criminal police officers, while he was mayor of Davao City. He confirmed to House Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas that he had killed at least six people. “I killed a lot of police officers in Davao involved in kidnapping and rape. I did it myself, face-to-face,” Duterte stated, but reiterated that he only instructed police to use lethal force in situations of violent resistance.
Jurisdiction Dispute with ICC
Duterte, a lawyer by profession, previously questioned the ICC’s jurisdiction over him, pointing out that the Philippines had withdrawn from the ICC in 2019. “What is this ICC? I don’t recognize it. My question is jurisdiction,” he said in August, noting that he only respects the legal authority of the Philippine judicial system.
Marcos’ Support
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has similarly opposed the ICC’s involvement, stating that his administration will not cooperate with any ICC-issued arrest warrant against Duterte. “We don’t recognize any warrant from the ICC…That’s a no,” Marcos said, arguing that the Philippines has a fully functioning judicial system and thus does not require ICC intervention.
ICC’s Continued Monitoring
The ICC confirmed it is monitoring developments related to the Duterte administration’s drug war, with its ongoing investigation covering alleged crimes committed between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019. The ICC Prosecutor’s Office is gathering evidence from various sources, including witness interviews, open-source information, and contributions from state and international bodies.