Over 300 drug war victims apply to take part in Duterte’s ICC case

ceived on July 25, while the last were received on Aug. 15.

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The Registry also assured that it has done preliminary investigation into the applications to ensure the “natural” identity of the applicants, that they suffered harm, and that the harm they suffered were the results of the crimes charged against the former president.

It also said that “extensive meetings and consultations” were conducted “to ensure transparency and inclusivity of victims’ views at every step of the process.”

“The VPRS informed them about victims’ rights at the current stage of proceedings, consulted them on the methodology and design of the victims’ participation process, the tools to be used (i.e., the individual and the household form),” it stated, adding that the application form for the victims were in Tagalog, Cebuano, English, and French, and that the applicants were guided on filling up the form.

The document noted that the “victims are deeply committed to the pursuit of justice” and that “the vast majority of them are willing [Redacted] retell their stories in application forms in order to contribute meaningfully to the proceedings.”

However, it also said that the willingness of the victims to participate “is predicated on the understanding that their efforts will not be in vain.”