DOJ, PNP warn vs cooperation with ICC

Government officials found acting in defiance of the Marcos administration’s stance against allowing International Criminal Court (ICC) jurisdiction over drug killings under the watch of Rodrigo Duterte may face administrative charges or even be dismissed from the service, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said yesterday.

- By ALEXIS ROMERO

The Philippine National Police has also warned its members of administrative sanctions if they cooperate with the ICC in its probe on Duterte’s drug war without getting clearance from PNP leadership.

The ICC is investigating Duterte’s bloody war on drugs, which left more than 6,000 people dead, based on official figures.

In a recent interview, President Marcos voiced his rejection of an ICC investigation, saying it poses a “threat” to the country’s sovereignty.

On Wednesday, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV said he received “highly credible” information that ICC investigators had directly communicated with more than 50 active and former police officials regarding their possible inclusion in the crimes against humanity case against Duterte.

According to Trillanes, the active and retired police officials who do not immediately signify their intention to cooperate with the ICC probers would be elevated as suspects and face travel restrictions and possible arrest via Interpol.

Asked if the DOJ was aware of the former senator’s claims, Justice Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano IV said the department has no such information.

“Just like everybody else, we found out from senator Trillanes about this supposed development. But I think we’ve been consistent from the very start, that we have a working justice system here in the Philippines, evidenced by a lot of different cases and reforms that we have been undertaking,” Clavano said in a press briefing at Malacañang.

Clavano said there may be “accountability” involved if a government official is coordinating with the ICC against the directions and policy of the government.