Key Testimony Intensifies ICC Inquiry into Duterte’s Controversial Drug War Tactics

ICC

Royina Garma’s testimony sheds new light on Duterte’s drug war, sparking intensified calls for an ICC investigation.

At a Glance

  • Royina Garma accuses Duterte’s office of paying police for killings.
  • Garma’s testimony is seen as strong evidence against Duterte.
  • ICC to possibly issue an arrest warrant for Duterte.
  • President Marcos opposes ICC involvement, citing sovereignty.

Calls for ICC Involvement Grow

Royina Garma, former police colonel, recently testified about financial incentives allegedly issued by Rodrigo Duterte’s office for killing drug suspects. Garma claims that payments of up to $17,000 were offered to law enforcement. This testimony has reignited calls for an International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign. Human rights groups argue the need for an international probe, citing biases in domestic inquiries.

The Davao Model, which Garma described, indicates a tiered payment system for operational funding, expenses, and successful kills. The ICC launched its investigation into the drug war, which cost an estimated 30,000 lives. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, however, prefers handling the cases nationally, resisting ICC involvement over sovereignty issues.

Political Tensions Rise

Relations between the Marcos and Duterte families have worsened, potentially impacting prosecution decisions. In light of her testimony, Garma implicated Duterte’s aide, Bong Go, who denied the claims but supports a Senate inquiry. Human rights advocates and lawyers for victims remain skeptical of the domestic legal system’s impartiality in adjudicating these cases.

“The Philippines has no intention of rejoining the ICC,” said Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, yet the court’s probe began earlier and resumed in 2023. There’s no independent investigation within the Philippines into Duterte’s anti-drug measures, leaving it to the ICC to consider potential crimes against humanity charges, despite the challenging enforcement of arrests.

Future ICC Actions

The ICC may soon issue an arrest warrant against Duterte based on newly provided evidence. Maria Kristina Conti, an assistant to counsel at the ICC, anticipates quick progression despite enforcement hurdles. Past similar warrants attest to expectations within the case involving Duterte’s alleged human rights violations.

“We hope a warrant would be issued within the year,” Conti stated, acknowledging the complexity of its enforcement.

Chief ICC prosecutor Karim Khan has also sought arrest warrants for leaders like Netanyahu and Putin on similar grounds. The urgency ties to active conflicts, adding pressure for resolution in Duterte’s case, where witness testimonies, like Garma’s, could be crucial in securing convictions and delivering justice.