The STAR Cover (May 1 0, 2024)
MANILA, Philippines — Aside from former president Rodrigo Duterte, two former police chiefs – Sen. Ronald dela Rosa and Oscar Albayalde – are likely to be subjected to arrest warrants that may soon be issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Duterte, Dela Rosa and Albayalde were explicitly named in public documents regarding the ongoing investigation into the previous administration’s war on drugs, ICC Assistant to Counsel Kristina Conti said in an interview with “Storycon” on One News yesterday.
Conti, who represents the families of the victims of the drug war, stressed that crimes against humanity had been established “at this point of the ICC proceedings.”
“The fact that crimes against humanity have been committed in the Philippines is already established. The question is, who is the most responsible?” she said.
Once those persons are identified, Conti said th e ICC prosecutor can issue arrest warrants or summons even if the probe is still ongoing.
Asked how many she thinks would be identified as “most responsible,” Conti responded: “I can definitely sa y for sure one, former president Rodrigo Duterte – everything started with him.”
But she pointed out that when the ICC prosecutor requested for authorization to initiate an investigation in 2021, Dela Rosa and Albayalde were specifically identified.
“Individuals at the highest levels of c ommand of the PNP (Philippine National Police) were responsible for ordering, directing and organizing the overall conduct of WoD (war on drugs) operations in which a large part of the alleged crimes were committed,” read the 57-page request.
“This includes the two PNP chiefs in charge of police operations during the relevant period, namely Ronald dela Rosa and his successor Oscar Albayalde, as well as, below them, the directors of the AIDG (Anti-Illegal Drugs Group) and later the DEG (Drug Enforcement Group), and the PNP’s regional, provincial, and city-level directors in charge of coordinating operations on the ground,” it added.
The ICC said Dela Rosa issued the 2016 command memorandum circular that launched “Project Double Barrel” and the national war on drugs.
Albayalde confirmed his commitment to continue the drug war when he assumed the PNP post in 2018.
In the case of Vice President Sara Duterte, Conti noted that her name does not appear on the official public records of the ICC.
“But it is a clear indication already that she might be included when the ICC specified that the scope of the investigation will be from November 2011 to June 2022,” Conti said, referring to the probe’s coverage of the so-called Davao death squad.
The Vice President served as Davao City mayor from 2010 to 2013 and again prior to her election to higher office in 2022.
“Sara Duterte could be investigated at the very least, but we need additional proof to say that she was involved or she was one of the perpetrators,” Conti said.
“It depends on how the ICC will consider or appreciate their testimonies (regarding the Davao death squad). There could be a summon for Sara Duterte to cooperate in the probe, at the minimum,” she added.
Asked about the briefer that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is preparing for President Marcos, Conti said it is a clear indication that the Chief Executive is reconsidering his position on the matter.
“Now that he is looking at it closely and on a legal perspective, I think that this is an indication that he would be reconsidering his decision,” she said.
The government, Conti noted, specifically attributed its position to “existing policy framework,” making it possible for this policy to change in the future.
“Our only request is that the briefer is as fair and thorough as possible,” she stressed.
The camp of Duterte criticized the DOJ’s statement that it is preparing a briefer on the President’s legal options in case the ICC issues an arrest warrant over the deaths tied to the war on drugs.
Marcos has repeatedly said that the Philippines would not cooperate with the ICC.
Speculations that Marcos has changed his position on the ICC issue mounted after the DOJ revealed on Wednesday that it is readying a briefer on the legal options Marcos may tap in case the ICC orders the arrest of Duterte.
DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano said the briefer would provide an “objective analysis” of the pros and cons of each legal option, including the possibility that the Philippines would rejoin the ICC.
Former officials of the Duterte administration maintained that an ICC investigation is unnecessary.
Salvador Panelo, who served as Duterte’s chief presidential legal counsel, said the DOJ’s statement “demonstrates its ignorance or pretended ignorance” on Marcos’ repeated pronouncement that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines.
“The issuance of a warrant of arrest — and any attempt to serve it — against a Filipino citizen is an outright and brazen assault to sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines,” Panelo said.
“The DOJ should follow the policy laid down by President Marcos on ICC and not undermine it,” he added.
Panelo said the DOJ should “refrain from intriguing” and stop making Marcos look like he would renege on his “unequivocal stand against ICC’s intrusion on our legal system.”
Former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea said there is no need for an ICC briefing because the Philippines is “in deep preparation for a war.”
He was alluding to recent joint military drills conducted by Filipino, American and Australian troops in Laoag, Ilocos Norte.
“Let’s just prepare for the worst,” Medialdea said.
Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the justice department’s latest pronouncement was not surprising.
“This is precisely why any serious intent to cooperate should have been done in writing. The fact that it was verbal sets the change for another balentong (flip-flopping),” he said.
Malacañang clarified that preparing a briefer detailing Marcos’ legal options is just part of standard operating procedure and does not reflect a change in the administration’s stance on the ICC.
“The President’s stance on the ICC remains clear and consistent. However, it is the duty of the DOJ to explore all legal avenues and ensure that the President is fully informed of his options,” Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said.
“This is standard procedure, not a change in position, ensuring that our administration remains prepared for any scenario,” Garafil said.
The DOJ issued the statement on the briefer a day after former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, a vocal critic of Duterte, said the ICC may issue an arrest warrant against the former president and other persons linked to the drug war by June.
Trillanes said the international tribunal is wrapping up its probe and that the arrest warrants may come in batches.
The PNP yesterday dared Trillanes to show evidence that two senior police officials were plotting to oust President Marcos.
Col. Jean Fajardo, chief information officer of the PNP, said it would be better if Trillanes reveals the information he has on the supposed destabilization plot against Marcos with PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil.
Trillanes has given another bit of information about the police generals allegedly involved in the ouster plot – they are assigned in Mindanao.
Echoing the earlier statements of Marbil and Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Fajardo maintained they have not monitored any threat against Marcos coming from the PNP.
The issue was not even discussed during Marbil’s command conference with police generals yesterday, according to Fajardo.
“There is no truth to the destabilization rumors involving PNP personnel,” she said.
The Liberal Party (LP) is calling on the government to reconsider its position of not cooperating with the ICC probe.
In a statement, LP spokesperson Leila de Lima said the government should work on rejoining the ICC as it would bolster the country’s standing in the international community.
“We urge the government to reconsider its current tack of non-cooperation with the ICC anchored on a fallacious argument of no jurisdiction,” De Lima said.
“Cooperation with the ICC would ensure greater accountability. It could also demonstrate the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and human rights,” she added.
The LP, however, welcomed the DOJ’s move to prepare legal briefs as it signifies “openness and willingness” to address the drug war probe. – Alexis Romero, Emmanuel Tupas, Nillicent Bautista
MANILA, Philippines — Manufacturers and retailers are open to a voluntary price freeze on essential goods amid possible spikes in prices due to effects of the El Niño phenomenon, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Manufacturers and retailers voiced their position at a recent meeting with Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual.
At the meeting were representatives and officers of Monde Nissin Corp., Unilever Philippines Inc., Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Universal Robina Corp., Nestle Philippines Inc., Procter and Gamble Philippines Inc., Century Pacific Food Inc., Alaska Milk Corp., CDO Foodsphere, NutriAsia, SM Supermarket and Robinsons Supermarket.
The DTI said discussions on a possible price freeze are ongoing amid risk of sharp price hikes due to El Niño.
Under the Price Act, prices of basic necessities are automatically frozen at prevailing prices for up to 60 days in an area under a state of calamity.
“At DTI, we are deeply committed to monitoring market conditions, advocating for consumer rights and guiding our nation through these challenges. We are profoundly grateful for the industry’s partnership in protecting the welfare of our community,” Pascual said.
“What is good about this effort is that the voluntary price freeze will be felt by everyone, not only in areas under a state of calamity, but every Filipino consumer,” Trade Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles said.
Also discussed during the meeting were DTI’s ongoing projects such as the Clark Mega Food Hub and the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal Online, designed to strengthen the link between farmers and retailers, support the local economy and ensure availability of affordable food.
Pascual emphasized the DTI’s commitment to balancing consumer protection, while promoting a thriving business ecosystem.
“We understand the difficulty experienced by Filipino families due to El Niño. The DTI is focused on ensuring right prices, protecting consumer welfare and ensuring retailers are responsible in running their business,” he said.
MANILA, Philippines — Starting this week, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will implement stricter rules for the issuance of tourist visas to Chinese nationals, citing cases of fraudulently acquired visas and crimes related to Philippine offshore gaming operator or POGO firms.
DFA Undersecretary for civilian security and consular affairs Jesus Domingo said on Thursday that the new tourist visa requirements include social security documents to be presented by visa applicants.
The applicants are still required to present government IDs, proof of financial capacity, employment certificate and bank statements.
“There are a lot of fraudulently acquired visas,” Domingo said.
Philippine consular officers in China, according to Domingo, receive blatantly fake or fraudulently acquired documents and find applicants’ lack of financial capacity as tourists.
He mentioned instances for attempted bribery of Philippine consular staff.
“We are urging our (diplomatic) posts to have renewed tourism drive but we are looking at more quality tourists and not POGO,” he added.
The official said the stricter visa policy is not related to other national security concerns.
“Our reforms are aimed largely at better security. There will be less instance of unsavory people coming in to commit heinous crimes against fellow Chinese,” Domingo said.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros called for the immediate ban of POGOs, saying it is a “hotspot of fugitives, and a haven for criminal activities.”