ICC receives more info on Duterte gov’t violations

MANILA, Philippines — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has received more “confidential communications” containing information on the alleged violations committed by the Duterte administration, according to Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chairman Chito Gascon.

Gascon yesterday said there are at least four other communications filed before the ICC in addition to those that have already been publicized. 

“We are aware that there are other confidential communications that have already been submitted, both from the Philippines – from non-government organizations and other victims’ groups – as well as other internationally submitted communications,” Gascon told ANC.

“These are under what’s called confidential procedures,” he added.

Gascon said one of the communications tackled alleged violations against women and children, but declined to provide additional information, citing confidentiality.

Lawyer Jude Sabio in April 2017 filed a communication to the ICC seeking the prosecution of Duterte over the government’s deadly campaign against illegal drugs.

Opposition Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV filed a supplemental communication along with Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano.

Last February, ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said she would initiate a preliminary examination on the matter, prompting the Duterte administration to withdraw the country’s signature to the agreement that created the ICC.

In August, a second communication – filed by relatives of those killed in the war on drugs – was submitted to the ICC.

Gascon clarified the communications are not the actual complaints that will be filed with the international court.

“The communication as well as other sources of communication that the ICC collects will constitute the body of facts or information that will prompt them to investigate further,” Gascon said.

“While we have not submitted a communication ourselves, we made a public statement that we are ready to cooperate with the ICC. We are now working with individual victims,” he added.

Gascon urged the government to cooperate with the ongoing preliminary examination.

He also warned that the international community is taking note of public statements made by Philippine officials.

“All these statements are facts that cannot be denied or set aside as being jokes. The fact that the President said ‘my only sin is EJK (extrajudicial killing)’ at the very least is an acknowledgement that the killings are occurring,” he said.

“He already mentioned ninja cops so there is an acknowledgement that there are police officers who have crossed the line. The next question of course is, has any of these police officers have been held to account?” Gascon remarked.

He said it is in the best interest of the country that it does all it can to prevent the killings from happening and respect human rights.

Gascon also sought for cooperation on independent investigations being conducted by the CHR.

“We’re challenged and we would like to see, in terms of the changing of the current policy, for the police to cooperate fully with the CHR in its own independent investigation as it did prior to Mr. Duterte coming into office,” Gascon said.

“We don’t see the level of cooperation that we used to see from law enforcement,” he added.