CHR-ICC cooperation urged

2 weeks ago

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PHILIPPINE STAR/ MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE COMMISSION on Human Rights (CHR) should work with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in investigating former Philippine president Rodrigo R. Duterte’s blood war on drugs, a congressman said Sunday.

“I urge the Commission on Human Rights to work with the ICC, the United Nations, and (the) international community in seeking justice for the multitudes of victims of the inhumane war on drugs,” Manila Rep. Joel R. Chua said in a statement.

At least 8,663 Filipinos have been killed under Mr. Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, according to a report by the United Nations (UN) Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Estimates by Philippine human rights groups indicate that around 27,000 to 30,000 were killed, three times more than the UN figure.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said in January that his government will not aid the ICC’s investigation into the former administration’s drug war killings.

“I consider it as a threat to our sovereignty. Therefore, the Philippine government will not lift a finger to help any investigation that the ICC conducts,” Mr. Marcos told reporters earlier this year. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio