“We can already see his noncommittal stance to the ICC’s investigation into the complaints on crimes against humanity by Duterte and his minions. Marcos Jr.’s reasoning is clearly a cop-out for his uninhibited support for Duterte.”
By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL
Bulatlat.com
MANILA – A group of martial law veterans assailed the statement of presidential aspirant Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., son and namesake of the late dictator, that he will not allow the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the drug-related killings in the Philippines.
The Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses and Martial Law (CARMMA) said that as early as now, “we can already see his noncommittal stance to the ICC’s investigation into the complaints on crimes against humanity by Duterte and his minions. Marcos Jr.’s reasoning is clearly a cop-out for his uninhibited support for Duterte.”
Marcos said in news reports that should he be elected as president, he will not assist the investigation of the ICC in the Philippines, adding that the international court’s officials can come to the Philippines “but only as a tourist.”
In the same report Marcos also said that he will continue President Duterte’s anti-drug campaign but “in a different way.”
On Oct. 7, ICC Prosecutor Karim A. A. Khan QC reiterated that the ICC retains its jurisdiction “with respect to alleged crimes that occurred on the territory of the Philippines while it was a State Party, from 1 November 2011 up to and including 16 March 2019.”
The Philippine’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute took effect on March 17, 2019.
“My investigation will seek to uncover the truth and aim to ensure accountability,” said Khan in his statement.
“We will focus our efforts on ensuring a successful, independent and impartial investigation. In doing so, we aim to bring justice to the victims and affected communities, and count on the support and cooperation of States Parties, civil society and other partners,” he added.
While the Philippine government remains adamant to cooperate with the ICC’s investigation, Khan said he “remain willing to constructively engage with national authorities in accordance with the principle of complementarity and our obligations under the Statute.”
“I equally look forward to exploring opportunities for greater engagement and dialogue between my Office and the Asia-Pacific region,” he added.
Bongbong to continue Duterte’s so-called ‘war on drugs’
CARMMA denounced what they referred to as Marcos’s audacity to claim ignorance of the martial law atrocities for the nth time, as he was quoted as saying, “how can you apologize for general accusation? Let’s talk specifics.”
“His refusal to apologize for the thousands of killings, disappearances, torture, detention and other heinous crimes is an insult to the human rights violations victims and the Filipino people,” the group said.
Marcos filed his certificate for candidacy last Oct. 6.
Many groups did not take this sitting down and held a protest on the day he filed his candidacy.
“The Marcoses and Dutertes must never step foot inside Malacanang again. Marcos Jr., should he emerge victorious in 2022, will enable Duterte’s plan to run away from accountability for his numerous crimes against the people and is poised to do a Marcos Sr.-Duterte redux,” said martial law veteran and former Department of Social Welfare and Development secretary Judy Taguiwalo in a statement. (JJE) 
