Fishers group urges PH to rejoin ICC amid Duterte's arrest

Progressive fishers' group Pamalakaya urged President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC) to uphold justice and hold abusive leaders accountable.

The call follows the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte last week over alleged "crimes against humanity".

Pamalakaya Vice Chairperson Ronnel Arambulo stated that the Philippines' withdrawal from the ICC has weakened accountability measures, allowing government officials to evade justice.

He added that when the country's justice system fails, it is crucial to turn to international mechanisms like the ICC.

The group emphasized that the Rome Statute provides a legal framework to prosecute high-ranking officials involved in crimes against humanity.

Bayan Muna chairman Neri J. Colmenares also urged the President to rejoin the ICC, stating it would demonstrate the government's commitment to human rights and ensure accountability for leaders.

Colmenares believes the ongoing ICC proceedings against Duterte should prompt the current leadership to reconsider membership to ensure justice for victims of extrajudicial killings.