ICC moves to continue probe into Duterte-era killings

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is examining its jurisdiction over alleged killings during Rodrigo Duterte's presidency, despite the Philippines' withdrawal from the court.

The Philippines withdrew from the ICC in March 2018, with the withdrawal becoming effective in March 2019, meaning the ICC's jurisdiction is limited to events that occurred up to that date.

Former President Duterte claims the ICC lost jurisdiction due to the country's withdrawal.

ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan has twice secured approval from ICC judges to continue the investigation, most recently in January 2023.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration asserts that the ICC has jurisdiction over crimes committed before the country's 2019 withdrawal from the Rome Statute.

The Marcos Jr. administration has appealed the decision to allow the investigation to proceed, seeking a final review from the appeals chamber.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro clarified that crimes committed between 2011 and 2019 remain under ICC jurisdiction, refuting claims that membership was never effective.

Castro stated that the act of withdrawing from the Rome Statute implies its prior ratification and effectiveness.