ICC probe a chance for Marcos admin to show transparency, commitment to human rights — CHR

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 28) — The Marcos administration should view the International Criminal Court's (ICC) resumption of its probe into the Philippine drug war as an avenue to show "transparency" and commitment to human rights, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said Saturday.

"Let this development be a chance for the Philippines to demonstrate openness and transparency as part of the fraternity of nations that values human rights and the rule of law," the CHR said in a statement.

"The ICC investigation is an opportune occasion for the present government to take the right track in upholding its human rights obligations, especially for those wronged and violated," it added.

The war on drugs — a flagship campaign of the previous Duterte administration — has earned the ire of the global rights community after thousands of victims were reported killed in the conduct of police operations.

The ICC halted its inquiry in November 2021 following a deferral request from the Philippine government. But the tribunal noted that it was "not satisfied" with developments in the local investigations, prompting the pre-trial chamber to approve the resumption of the probe.

Marcos administration officials said they will still study the country's next steps in response to the ICC's latest move.

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Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police said it is open to working with the ICC if the government permits.

"If the national government will submit to the jurisdiction of the ICC then you will expect po na ang PNP ay magko-cooperate (the PNP will also cooperate)," PNP spokesperson Jean Fajardo said.