PHL govt won’t allow ICC probe if it junks our appeal–Remulla

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

THE Department of Justice

(DOJ) maintained on Monday that it will not allow any investigation that the International Criminal Court (ICC) might conduct in the event it decides to reject the Philippine government’s appeal against the resumption of its probe into the bloody anti-illegal drug campaign during the Duterte administration.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, in an interview with mediamen, said Philippine authorities will also not comply if the ICC issues warrants of arrest against individuals subject of its investigation.

“No. They won’t do anything here. They have nothing to do here. What are they going to do? Invade us? Do they want to come here just like a colonizer?” Remulla said.

We do not want other countries interfering with the justice system in the Republic of the Philippines … It’s enough. We are a free country, we have our own system of implementing our laws,” the DOJ secretary added.

E arlier, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said if the Philippines loses its appeal, the ICC prosecutor will be authorized to resume his investigation into the anti-drug war situation in the country.

T he ICC prosecutor, according to Guevarra, may also seek the issuance of summonses or warrants of arrest against certain individuals.

T hose who will be indicted, according to the chief government counsel, would have to get their own defense lawyers as the OSG represents only the State.

“ Regardless of the outcome of our appeal, the Philippine government will continue to focus on its own investigation and prosecution of alleged abuses in connection with the war on drugs,” Guevarra said.

However, Guevarra maintained that the government “will defend