ICC to examine drug war deaths despite Philippines’ withdrawal

The International Criminal Court (ICC) said yesterday that its preliminary examination into thousands of killings related to the anti-drug war in the Philippines will proceed, despite the country’s recent withdrawal from the court. “A withdrawal has no impact on ongoing proceedings or any matter which was already under consideration by the court prior to the date on which the withdrawal became effective,” the court said in a statement. The ICC said it received notice on Monday from the United Nations of President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to withdraw ratification of the Rome Statue, which established the court. “The court regrets this development and encourages the Philippines to remain part of the ICC family,” it said. It noted that a withdrawal becomes effective one year after the notice is received.Duterte has said he ordered the withdrawal to protest what appears to be a concerted effort to depict him as a “ruthless and heartless violator of human rights who allegedly caused thousands of extrajudicial killings.” Yesterday, Duterte challenged the basis for the continuation of the ICC’s investigation, arguing that the Rome Statute should have been published in the government’s official gazette after ratification, which it was not, making it invalid. “Based on what? Why are you here? Why are you $$$%&* in my country? What’s your power? What vests you?” he said in a speech before a gathering of municipal officials. “The treaty? The treaty was not published. When it is not published, it is as if there is no law at all,” he added.The withdrawal comes a month after ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda announced an investigation into thousands of extrajudicial killings that have allegedly occurred under Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs since July 1, 2016.