ICC can probe drug war despite Philippine Rome Statute withdrawal –IBP

The International Criminal Court (ICC) can probe alleged crimes against humanity incidents committed during the Duterte administration's bloody drug war as the probe covers the period before the Philippines exited the Rome Statute, Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) chief Attorney Domingo Cayosa said Tuesday.

In an interview on Balitanghali, Cayosa also explained that certain individuals can be convicted for crimes against humanity committed in the drug war depending on the results of the ICC probe.

"Kung na-convict ka pwede ka maaresto. It is part of process ng UN (United Nations) na yung mga lumagda sa Rome Statute na yan. They are duty-bound and diplomatically responsible kaya anywhere makita yung convicted e pwede ho sila arestuhin," Cayosa said.

(If they get convicted they can get arrested. It's part of the process as long as you sign the Rome Statute. They are responsible so if convicted are found anywhere, they can get arrested.)

Asked if there will be complications since the Philippines removed itself from the Rome Statute, Cayosa said the drug war probe can still cover crimes against humanity incidents until 2019 because the country formally withdrew in March 2019.

"Malinaw sa Rome Statute kahit kakalas ang bansa, nakalagay sa probisyon yung mga nagawa na at yung sinasakdal ka sa nagawa bago kumalas ang bansa sa ICC eh covered yun," the IBP head said.

(It is clear in the Rome Statute that even if the country left, it is stated in the provision that being convicted over crimes committed before they exited the ICC is still covered.)

Outgoing ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda had asked the international tribunal to launch a full investigation into the drug war deaths in the Philippines, which covers the period between July 1, 2016 and March 16, 2019.

The tribunal's judges have four months to issue a decision on the request. — DVM, GMA News