Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed hope that Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla’s recent remarks regarding the International Criminal Court's (ICC) investigation into the war on drugs under the Duterte administration will bring real justice to the alleged victims.
"Secretary Remulla's pronouncement on the ICC's Investigation on Duterte's war on drugs gives us hope that real justice for the thousands of victims of the former administration's killing spree could finally come," Hontiveros said in her statement on Friday.
In a Reuters report, Remulla stated that the DOJ is open to engaging with the ICC in a clear and respectful manner, emphasizing that efforts are being made to bridge the divide and bring both parties to the table.
He further emphasized that there are areas where the country's authorities can cooperate, but stressed that clear boundaries must be established.
Remulla stated that international tribunal cooperation is allowed by Philippine law, with ICC representatives having entered and exited the country without any challenges from the government.
"I know that, as anecdotally from people I know from the human rights community, they've been in contact here," Remulla said in a Reuters report.
Hontiveros pointed out that should discussions between the Philippine government and the ICC push through, the government must see the need to assist in the investigation—not just because of its treaty obligations but, most importantly, to address the plight of the families of victims of the 'bloody' campaign against illegal drugs.
In November, during a Quad-Committee hearing, Duterte urged the ICC to fast-track its investigation into the drug war, saying it should proceed before his death.
Subsequently, the Palace stated that the government would not intervene, should the former President opt to cooperate with the ICC's investigation.
Furthermore, Philippine authorities could be obligated to comply with any international arrest warrant related to the drug war if the ICC involves Interpol in the process.
Meanwhile, former Senator Leila de Lima revealed that, according to the information she received, the ICC investigation is in its final stages and nearing conclusion.
