The International Criminal Court (ICC) has authorized the resumption of an inquiry into the Philippines' controversial "war on drugs" campaign. This decision, announced on Tuesday, overrules Manila's objections to the investigation and reverses a prior suspension enacted in late 2021. At that time, the Philippines argued the ICC lacked jurisdiction because it was conducting its own investigation into the alleged crimes.
However, the ICC appeals panel deemed Manila's domestic proceedings insufficient to mirror the court's investigation. The judges determined that the Philippine government's efforts did not represent "tangible, concrete and progressive investigative steps," paving the way for the ICC's renewed involvement.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte speaks at the Malacanang Presidential Palace in Manila, Philippines, on May 31, 2021. (Richard Madelo/ Malacanang Presidential Photographers Division via AP, File)
The government's anti-drug campaign, launched under former President Rodrigo Duterte, has resulted in the deaths of over 6,000 suspected drug offenders, primarily from impoverished communities. Human rights organizations contend that the actual death toll is significantly higher, encompassing numerous unsolved killings potentially linked to law enforcement. While Duterte defended the campaign as a legitimate effort to combat drug lords and protect the youth, critics argue it involved widespread human rights abuses.
Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, a move widely seen as an attempt to shield himself and his administration from international scrutiny. However, the ICC retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member state. Current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has affirmed his predecessor's stance, stating that Manila has no intention of rejoining the court, despite calls from human rights advocates.
