Secretary of DOJ Speaks on Request of ICC To Safeguard Witnesses vs. Duterte
DOJ – Justice Secretary Boying Remulla confirmed that the PH government is cooperating with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in securing the witnesses’ safety.
The arrest and the transfer of the custody of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to the ICC is one of the most controversial events that marked the Philippine history. Last March 11, the former President was arrested by the Philippine authorities upon his arrival from Hong Kong.
Former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte who recently marked his 100th day in ICC detention was nabbed over a reported warrant of arrest by the ICC. He is currently faced with an allegation of crimes against humanity over his administration’s drug war.
Pres. Bongbong Marcos earned massive criticisms over the arrest of former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and the transfer of his custody to the ICC. According to the Chief Executive, the government only did its job and acted on its commitment with the International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol.
Malacañang previously maintained that the government will not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC in case former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte seeks an interim release. The Palace also defended the government saying it only did its job on the arrest of the former President.
Recently, DOJ Sec. Boying Remulla confirmed that the Philippine government is cooperating with the ICC in securing the safety of the witnesses against former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Based on a report on PhilStar, the Justice Secretary said that there is “official word” that the ICC is seeking the coordination of the Witness Protection Program of the government for the safety of the witnesses.
“We have given our support and cooperation as this request is a well-founded request based on the necessity to bring the witnesses safely to The Hague to testify,” the DOJ Chief said.
Based on the report, the DOJ Secretary also said that the Philippine government will also extend financial aid to the witnesses in the ICC case against former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte for their travel to The Hague. With regards to the interim release bid of the former President, he believes that it is allegedly an inappropriate request.
DOJ Sec. Boying Remulla, on the ICC interim release bid of former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, said the best medical care is already in The Netherlands if the needs of the former President is the concern in his bid for interim release.