Duterte to ICC: I am willing to put my neck here

CAUAYAN CITY—President Duterte said he was willing to get hanged should the International Criminal Court (ICC) find him guilty of his alleged crimes against humanity.

“For the things I have said, ordered and done, I am willing to put my neck here. Maybe someday, this ICC … if they decide to hang me I would be very glad to go,” he said on Wednesday.

Duterte had earlier ordered the Philippines’ withdrawal of its membership from the ICC. The withdrawal takes effect on March 17.

The ICC is a permanent court that investigates, prosecutes and tries those accused of committing genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression.

Malacañang also maintained that the government will not cooperate should the ICC proceed with its investigation on its war on drugs.

“Why should you cooperate if there’s no jurisdiction, we’re not bound by their rules” said presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo at a press briefing on Thursday. —REPORTS FROM VILLAMOR VISAYA JR. AND JULIE M. AURELIO