Philippines asked: Respond to ICC prosecutor’s request on probe

MANILA, Philippines — Judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have invited the Philippines to provide “observations” on the prosecutor’s request to allow the resumption of its preliminary investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed in relation to the previous administration’s deadly war against illegal drugs.

In a seven-page order released last Thursday (Friday in Manila), the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I said it considers it appropriate to invite the Philippine government to submit any additional observations arising from the request of ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan.

“If it wishes to do so, the Philippines must submit these additional observations by Sept. 8, 2022 at the latest,” the order read.

The judges also invited the victims and their legal representatives to submit any additional or different views on Khan’s request.

They were also given until Sept. 8 to submit their views to the ICC’s Victims Participation and Reparations Section which, in turn, was directed to transmit them to the pre-trial chamber together with a report by Sept. 22.

The ICC judges also allowed Khan to respond to the additional observations submitted by the Philippines, provided that they relate to factual arguments as to whether the government is investigating or has investigated criminal acts related to the case.

“The chamber does not deem it necessary to hold a hearing in addition to receiving further written observations from the Philippines, any reply from the Prosecutor and the views and concerns of the victims,” the order said.

Last June 24, Khan filed a 53-page application seeking authorization from the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I to resume their investigation on the situation in the Philippines.

“After a careful and thorough review of all the information provided by the Philippines as well as other information available publicly, provided by third parties or already in our collection, I have concluded that the deferral requested by the Philippines is not warranted and that the investigation should resume as quickly as possible,” the prosecutor said in a statement.