The Philippine government has formally asked anew the International Criminal Court (ICC) - Appeals Chamber to suspend the investigation of its prosecutors on the alleged human rights abuses and crimes perpetuated during the Duterte administration's bloody war against drugs.
The appeal dated March 13 was filed by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) on behalf of the government.
"The Appeals Chamber is requested to exercise its discretion to suspend the decision authorizing the Prosecution to resume its investigation," the OSG said in the 51-page appeal.
It reiterated that the probe "lacks any legal foundations" and that this "encroach" on the country's sovereignty.
The OSG also once again mentioned the fact that the government has withdrawn its membership from the Rome statute, thus the chamber does not have jurisdiction over the country's situation.
"However, even with this in mind, the Philippine Government remains committed to the goals of the Court and actively engaged with the Prosecution and the Court in the context of article 18 on this basis," it added.
If the ICC will pursue the probe despite having no jurisdictional basis, the OSG said that “its mandate would be adversely affected due to the implications such acts would have for those affected by the Court’s operations, in particular suspects, witnesses, and victims.”
Apart from the suspension of the probe, the OSG also urges the chamber to reverse its earlier decision to reopen the investigation on the drug war.
It also asked the ICC - Appeals Chamber to "determine that the prosecution is not authorized to resume its investigation in the country's situation."
In January, the ICC approved the request of Prosecutor Karim Khan to resume the investigation into the bloody war on drugs campaign.
The chamber earlier expressed dissatisfaction with the country’s domestic initiatives and proceeding.
