By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – The camp of former president Rodrigo R. Duterte appeared to have admitted the crimes against humanity committed during the conduct of his drug war, Malacañang said on Friday.
In a press conference, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro cited Duterte’s commitment to “not commit further crimes” if granted temporary freedom by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“Nabasa natin na parang iki-claim po nila or ilalagay po nila sa kanilang (We read that it seems like they will claim it or put it in their) petition that Mr. Duterte will not imperil proceedings, if released. Mr. Duterte will not continue to commit crimes. So, in one way or another, the counsel admitted that the former president had committed such crimes,” Castro said.
“Just a question because they will include that in their motion or petition. Mr. Duterte will not continue to commit crimes. So, may pag-amin ba rito (is there a confession here)?”
Duterte is seeking interim release from the ICC, assuring the chamber that he is not a flight risk and a threat to witnesses, based on the request made by his legal counsel Nicholas Kaufman dated June 12.
According to the redacted version of the request for his temporary release, Duterte’s arrest is not necessary to ensure the integrity of the investigations or to preclude the continued commission of crimes.
Duterte’s camp also assured the ICC of his “principled willingness to cooperate.”
Castro said the Palace would respect whatever decision the ICC will make.
“Kanila pong strategy iyan at hayaan na lang po natin ang ICC ang mag-determine kung sila ba ay paniniwalaan at kung maga-grant iyong kanilang request for interim release (That’s their strategy and let’s just let the ICC determine whether they will believe them and whether their request for interim release will be granted),” she said.
“Nasa ICC na po kasi iyan. Nasa kamay na po ng ICC kung ano po ang kanilang magiging desisyon or resolution on that matter (That’s already in the ICC’s hands. It is up to the ICC whatever its decision or resolution on that matter will be).” (PNA)
