THE INTERNATIONAL Criminal Court (ICC) may issue arrest warrants this year against those responsible for the bloody drug war during the previous administration, according to ICC Assistant Counsel Kristina Conti.
Conti, in an interview with One News on Wednesday, expressed confidence that the warrants will be issued soon, with the main challenge being their implementation, which relies on the cooperation of the national government.
“Ako, confident ako that it will come within the year. My problem is or yung pinapa solve sa amin is paano siya mase-serve and the development that Lito Patay, one of the implementors, one of the worst recorded violators during the war on drugs is now Davao city olice chief. That is concerning to us,” she further said.
However, Col. Patay only assumed office as the Davao City Police Office head for three hours before he was replaced by Col. Sherwin Butil, who, in turn, was also dispatched in favor of Col Hansel Marantan, now the acting DCPO director.
She noted that warrants may be issued against specific individuals even as the ICC’s investigation continues.
The ICC is preparing for the trial phase, where its role becomes more significant. This involves presenting evidence to prove the guilt of individuals responsible for the drug war.
The previous administration’s campaign against illegal drugs, which resulted in the deaths of thousands, became a major international issue.
Among those who implemented the campaign was Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who served as PNP Chief under former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in March 2018, with Duterte insisting that the ICC no longer had jurisdiction to investigate the drug war.
President Ferdinand Marcos has also maintained that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines.
