Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla on Wednesday advised former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa to refrain from visiting countries that are under the influence of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Remulla made the advice after the ICC ruled that the formal investigation into the alleged human rights violation and abuses during the war on drugs will resume.
Duterte and Bato are considered the "principal" behind the bloody war against drug campaign that killed over 6,000 Filipinos — most were only victims and lived in poverty,
"Huwag kayong pupunta sa lugar na maaring... mag-ano ang ICC, makialam. Kasi dito, hindi talaga sila pwede pwedeng pumunta rito. Sa ibang bansa, sa tingin natin ay may pag-aalangan," he said in a press briefing.
The Justice Chief said the two officials are private citizens of the Republic who are in need of their protection.
"So we have to tell them, advise them properly," he added.
Meanwhile, Remulla maintained his stance that the ICC prosecutors are not welcome in the country.
"Hindi natin kailangan sa ating bansa. Hindi natin sila gustong pumunta rito at huwag na huwag silang pumunta rito sapagkat ang gagawin nila ay desortation of authority on government," he stressed.
The Justice Chief also said that once the International Chamber continue the probe, they are "defying" the country's law and legal system.
"Hindi talaga sila pwedeng makialam rito," he added.
Earlier, Remulla said that the national government will not comply if the ICC issues a warrant of arrest against some individuals who are involved in the killings associated with the previous administration’s war on drugs.
