Marcos: PH won’t assist ICC probe

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government will not lift a finger to help the probe of the International Criminal Court (ICC), but its investigators could still visit as civilians, said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In an ambush interview in Quezon City, Marcos stood firm that the government would not cooperate with the ICC.

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“I do not recognize the jurisdiction of ICC in the Philippines. I consider this as a threat to our sovereignty. Therefore, the Philippine government, will not lift a finger to help any investigation that the ICC conducts. However, as ordinary people, they can come and visit the Philippines,” said Marcos.

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Marcos said that the government is keeping an eye on them, and if they should probe government agencies, the agencies will be instructed not to entertain the investigators.

“We do not recognize your jurisdiction; therefore, we will not assist in any way, shape, or form in any investigation that the ICC is doing in the Philippines,” said Marcos.

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Marcos’ remarks came after a direct challenge from Philippine National Police chief and now Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to Malacañang to be transparent with the Philippine government’s stance with the ICC.

“Let’s be frank. Let’s talk man to man. If you want us to be investigated and get imprisoned, then tell it to our face. Don’t tell us one thing while doing another thing behind our backs,” Dela Rosa said in a previous interview.

Dela Rosa was one of the chief architects in former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, which saw the death of at least 6,000 drug suspects.