Palace: PH not cooperating with ICC on drug war witnesses

Malacañang clarified that the Philippine government is not directly cooperating with the International Criminal Court (ICC) concerning witnesses in the drug war.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro stated that while the Department of Justice (DOJ) is securing witnesses, their primary intention is to help victims and witnesses get the justice they need.

Castro mentioned that the government would take care of the safety and security needs of witnesses within the country, though the DOJ clarified that the government would not cover the expenses for bringing witnesses to The Hague.

DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla previously stated there was a request to place witnesses in the crimes against humanity case filed against former president Rodrigo Duterte before the ICC under the Witness Protection Program (WPP) for their security and protection.

Castro emphasized that the government's focus is on aiding fellow Filipinos to attain justice.