ICC asks Phl gov't: Protect witnesses vs Rody

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has asked the Philippine government to provide protection to witnesses who will testify against former president Rodrigo Duterte as he faces crimes against humanity charges in the Netherlands.

- By DAPHNE GALVEZ

According to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, there is "official word" already that the ICC has sought coordination with the government's Witness Protection Program to secure witnesses that may testify in The Hague.

"We have given our support and cooperation as this request is a well-founded request based on the necessity to bring the witnesses safely to The Hague to testify," he said over ANC.

Remulla also said the Philippine government will extend financial assistance to the witnesses for them to travel to The Hague, where the ICC proceedings are taking place.

Duterte is currently detained in The Hague as he faces trial over the killings during his administration's anti-drug campaign.

Remulla opposed the request of the Duterte camp for an interim release to a country that is an ICC member, saying "there will be more harm than good" if this will be granted by the international tribunal.

"The court itself knows it took a lot to be able to bring him before The Hague, before the ICC, and it's not going to be easy to bring him back in case it loses possession of him or custody of him," he said.

For him, it would be better if Duterte will be present at the proceedings when the ICC hears the case.

He also said moving Duterte may cause some adjustments that may not be good for him as he can get the best medical care in the Netherlands.

"Let's just wait for the case to be heard and let's just stay put where he is right now.

I think that's the best thing that can happen in this case," Remulla said.