Manila: The government will protect witnesses in the case against former president Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Thursday. This was after Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that three witnesses are now under government protection following a request from the ICC.

According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla emphasized the government's duty to protect individuals, whether they are witnesses for the ICC or part of the general populace. He mentioned that other individuals might also be placed under the witness protection program. Remulla assured that coordination would be maintained to address any issues and to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the witnesses, reducing the threats to their lives.

Remulla clarified that this move does not indicate a reversal of the government's position that the Philippines is no longer a member of the ICC. The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, in 2019 during the Duterte administration. Despite the withdrawal, the government is allowing the ICC to pursue the case against Duterte as the alleged crimes took place before the withdrawal.

He further explained the challenges of building and proving the case within the country, citing the absence of crucial evidence such as police reports, scenes of the crime, ballistics, and DNA. Remulla acknowledged the ICC's advantage in gathering witnesses to support the cases filed, which would have been difficult locally due to the erasure of evidence.

When questioned about the possibility of the Philippines rejoining the ICC, Remulla stated that such a decision would have to be made collectively as a country. He noted that while cooperation with the ICC does not imply rejoining, it signifies recognition of the ICC's authority in the case.