DOJ places 3 ICC witnesses under protection

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed Thursday that three witnesses are now under government protection following a request from the International Criminal Court (ICC) to assist them.

The Department of Justice stressed that while the Philippines is not a member of the ICC, it has invoked Republic Act No. 9851 to help protect and assist witnesses under its jurisdiction.

Kristina Conti, a lawyer representing victims of extrajudicial killings (EJK), said the number of witnesses expected to testify against former President Rodrigo Duterte may still increase as the investigation is ongoing.

The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber has set July 1 as the deadline for exchanging information and July 4 for releasing charges that Duterte must respond to before the September hearing.

Justice Secretary Remulla noted that other individuals may be placed under the witness protection program, emphasizing the government's commitment to protecting witnesses until they leave Philippine jurisdiction.

Remulla added that while the move does not translate into a reversal of the government's position on its withdrawal from the ICC in 2019, cooperation is necessary for building up and proving cases.