Philippines Will Not Block Duterte's ICC Surrender

The Philippine government has stated it will not obstruct former President Rodrigo Duterte if he chooses to surrender to the International Criminal Court (ICC), as confirmed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin. Duterte, during a recent congressional inquiry, urged the ICC to expedite its investigation into his administration's controversial anti-drug campaign, which has been linked to thousands of deaths. He expressed readiness to face consequences, stating, "If I am found guilty, I will go to prison." While the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019, the ICC retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a member. If the ICC requests Interpol's assistance, the Philippine authorities will feel compelled to cooperate, according to Bersamin. Human rights groups estimate the actual death toll from Duterte's drug war could be as high as 30,000, compared to official police figures of over 6,200.