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CHR to cooperate with ICC on drug probe
The Commission on Human Rights maintained a steadfast stance in its commitment to work with the International Criminal Court to probe the country's war on drugs on the watch of then-President Rodrigo Duterte. In the deliberations for the department's budget for 2024 before the House Committee on Appropriations, CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc assured lawmakers the agency would cooperate with the ICC by furnishing evidence it gathered in its past investigation. "As you may recall, the CHR has investigated extra-judicial killings in relation to the drug war before. And out of that investigation, the CHR has generated a report on EJK in relation to the drug war," Palpal-latoc said. The confirmation came following a question by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman about the extent of cooperation the human rights watchdog intends to grant to the ICC as it previously declared that they are "willing to cooperate" into the drug war probe, which has resulted "in thousands of extra-judicial killings, particularly the impoverished and marginalized drug suspects." About 7,000 people were killed under Duterte's drug war, based on the government's data, the majority of whom were from low-income families. However, local and international human rights organizations estimate it exceeded 30,000. According to Palpal-latoc, they are willing to supply the ICC evidence that the CHR already gathered in the previous investigation. However, he stressed that since the agency has yet to learn the details of the case filed in the ICC, the parameters of their cooperation are unknown. This, however, did not sit well with Lagman, asserting that the CHR should have been aware of this matter, taking into account the accusation made openly and publicly. According to the veteran lawmaker, CHR's pronouncement of cooperation without initiating communication with the ICC was merely a "soundbite" and a "press release" for the media. "Why don't you know? It's an open and public accusation before the ICC against the culprits in this war on drugs. Do you have a copy of the accusation brought before the ICC by some affected victims and advocates?" Lagman said. "You are fully aware that the official position of the national government is not to cooperate with the ICC and that bold statement is, in fact, a challenge to that position," he added. Palpal-latoc, on the other hand, countered that the CHR is "not a party" to the ICC investigation. Nonetheless, the CHR chief said that they are willing to provide legal assistance to the victims of human rights violations as well as witness protection pursuant to their mandate. Calls were made to cease the ICC's probe into Duterte's "war on drugs" that claimed thousands of lives during his six years of power that started in 2016. Justice Secretary Boying Remulla maintained a firm stance that the country would not engage in the ICC, claiming that the Philippine government would not let the court interfere in the country's business. Senator Bato de la Rosa, who led Duterte's anti-drug campaign, locally known as "Oplan Tokhang" previously said that he is ready in case a warrant of arrest has been served, but only by Philippine authorities and not by any foreigner directed by the ICC. The former PNP chief and Vice President Sara Duterte were the Philippine officials mentioned in the ICC prosecutor's report on the killings. The post CHR to cooperate with ICC on drug probe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos’ anti-drug focus must improve
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa hopes President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will put more focus on the drug problem during the remainder of his term. “Just a little attention. I hope the drug situation will be taken care of,” Dela Rosa said shortly before Marcos delivered his second State of the Nation Address. “It is different if the Chief Executive himself will pay attention to the drug problem,” he stressed. In his SoNA, Marcos said the battle against illegal drugs will continue after the government launched the “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” or BIDA program and will put up 102 Balay Silangan Reformation Centers nationwide. “The campaign against illegal drugs continues — but it has taken on a new face. It is now geared towards community-based treatment, rehabilitation, education, and reintegration, to curb drug dependence among our affected citizenry,” the President said. Marcos said the government will be relentless in the fight against drug syndicates by “shutting down their illegal activities and dismantling their network of operations.” “Unscrupulous law enforcers and others involved in the highly nefarious drug trade have been exposed. I will be accepting their resignations,” he said. The President vowed to install individuals of unquestionable integrity who will be effective and trustworthy in the task of eliminating the drug problem, which he described as a “dreaded and corrosive social curse.” “We cannot tolerate corruption or incompetence in government,” he added. Meanwhile, Dela Rosa believes Marcos will continue to support the push to revive the Reserve Officers Training Corps. “He already mentioned the ROTC [program] during his first SoNA. The ROTC bill is still pending, but I will continue pushing for it,” Dela Rosa said. Wowing ‘em all Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte wore a traditional Maguindanaon dress for the annual event. Her SoNA outfit was a Bangala paired with trousers and a flowing inaul or malong. It featured gold accessories that symbolize the wealth and abundance of Mindanao’s natural resources. The inaul is a Maguindanao fabric intricately handwoven using cotton and silk. It is a treasured cultural gem that profoundly reflects the pride, bravery, heritage, and history of the people of Maguindanao. During the first SoNA, Duterte wore a traditional Bagobo Tagabawa dress. She thanked Gov. Bai Mariam Mangudadatu of Maguindanao del Sur and Jearson Demavivas for their creative input that inspired her to wear a Maguindanaon traditional dress. Cotabato City-based designer Israel Ellah Ungkakay designed the dress. Ungkakay has been promoting the culture and tradition of the Moro people of Mindanao through his designs for 16 years after finishing college at the University of Southern Mindanao. He was recently recognized for his contributions to the promotion of Mindanao by the local government of Cotabato City. Travel sector highlighted Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco rated exceptional the President’s address as he highlighted the crucial role that tourism plays as a reliable pillar of economic growth, providing livelihood to more than 5 million Filipinos. “The President’s ‘whole-of-nation’ approach to development we take as an affirmation of his administration’s thrust towards strengthened tourism governance between and among all stakeholders of the tourism industry,” she said. “As an industry that banks and thrives on the scale of infrastructure development, we are elated to know the President’s continuing commitment to connect all prospective sites of economic development,” she added. Marcos said the stress on tourism will spur the sector’s development countrywide, and consequently, create more livelihood opportunities for Filipinos. The post Marcos’ anti-drug focus must improve appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos: War on drugs to continue — but with ‘new face’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said the country's fight against the illegal drug problem continues under his helm. "The campaign against illegal drugs continues—but it has taken on a new face. It is now geared towards community-based treatment, rehabilitation, education, and reintegration, to curb drug dependence among our affected citizenry," said Marcos during his second State of the Nation Address. Marcos mentioned that the government has effectively launched the "Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan" or BIDA Program, and established additional 102 Balay Silangan Reformation Centers nationwide. The government, he added, will relentlessly continue its fight against drug syndicates by "shutting down their illegal activities and dismantling their network of operations." "Unscrupulous law enforcers and others involved in the highly nefarious drug trade have been exposed. I will be accepting their resignations," the President said. Marcos vowed to install individuals with unquestionable integrity, and who will be effective and trustworthy in handling the task of eliminating the drug problem--which he described as a "dreaded and corrosive social curse." "We cannot tolerate corruption or incompetence in government," he added. Shortly before Marcos delivered his SONA, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa expressed hope that Marcos will pay attention to the illegal drug problem in the country during the remainder of his term. “Konting pansin lang. Sana mapansin lang ‘yung drug situation (Just a little attention. I hope the drug situation will be taken care of),” Dela Rosa said in an interview with reporters. Asked if the government is lacking the courage to fight the drug problem, Del Rosa said: “Iba talaga ‘yung manggaling sa pinaka-chief executive ‘yung pagpansin sa drug problem (It is really different if the chief executive himself will pay attention to the drug problem).” On the other hand, Dela Rosa said he believes Marcos will continue supporting the push for the mandatory revival of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps in the Philippines. “He already mentioned the ROTC [program] during his first SONA. The ROTC bill is still pending, but I will continue pushing for it,” he added. Newly installed Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, Gen Romeo Brawner Jr. has expressed his full support for the revival of the mandatory ROTC. Brawner earlier vowed that ROTC will be implemented accordingly and professionally by well-trained military handlers should it becomes legally mandatory. The military chief said the AFP will make sure that the cases of hazing, as well as physical and verbal abuse and other malpractices related to the ROTC in the past, won’t happen again in the future. “The AFP is preparing for proper and relevant conduct of the program in the future,” said Brawner. The post Marcos: War on drugs to continue — but with ‘new face’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ICC probe: Allow now, challenge later
The Philippines may just let the International Criminal Court’s investigation into the bloody drug war of the previous administration roll in the meantime and then challenge its jurisdiction later, according to Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez Thursday. The government, whose plea to block the probe fell on deaf ears, has high hopes the international tribunal would eventually grant its appeal to lay off the country. “The proper and only course of action for the Republic of the Philippines is to raise the issue of jurisdiction when the case is eventually filed in the ICC. Jurisdiction can be questioned at any stage of the proceedings,” said Rodriguez, a lawyer. “When the case is brought to the ICC, we raise the issue of jurisdiction, and the Philippines will surely secure its dismissal for lack of jurisdiction,” he added. Calls have been made to end the ICC’s probe into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs” that claimed thousands of lives during his six years in office that started in 2016. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has firmly maintained that the country would not engage with the ICC, insisting the government would not let the court interfere in the country’s business. ‘Oplan Tokhang’ Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who during the Duterte administration led the anti-drug campaign known as “Oplan Tokhang,” had previously said he was ready in case a warrant of arrest was served on him, but only if by Philippine authorities and not by any foreigner directed by the ICC. But for Rodriguez, the government officials concerned should compose themselves and study the ICC decision well. “There is no need for our government officials to make many extraneous comments on the decision,” he said. Some 6,000 persons were reportedly killed in Duterte’s drug war, according to government data, the majority of whom were from low-income families. However, local and international human rights organizations estimated the number of victims at more than 30,000. Meanwhile, senators expressed dismay at the ICC decision that turned down the Philippine appeal, saying there was no need for it since the Philippines has a “working justice system.” Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. on Thursday said the ICC should not be allowed to meddle in the country’s affairs. “We do not need to remind them that we are a free, independent, and sovereign nation governed by our laws,” he said. Revilla said that since Philippine government officials will be held liable for violations, the laws of the country should prevail and not of foreign prosecutors. “I am befuddled by the ICC’s pursuit of this obvious baseless persecution while legitimate concerns and crimes against humanity are being perpetrated in other parts of the world as we speak. It is obvious the ICC’s interest here is not justice but something else entirely,” he said. Operating very well Senator Mark Villar said there was no need for any international body to intervene in the country’s justice system, stressing that Philippine democracy is fully functioning. He said the Philippine justice system is “operating very well” and it could address its own human rights concerns. “Our government has a very strong justice system that is working so I don’t think we need international interference. We have our courts, we have a strong justice system, that’s what I believe,” Villar said in a recent interview. Aside from Duterte and Dela Rosa, the ICC report included Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and incumbent Vice President Sara Duterte in the probe. Unfazed Dela Rosa has remained unfazed by the ICC ruling and is even mulling another Senate term, although he said the ICC probe will affect a reelection bid. “Since I am identified with the former president, I may not get the votes. The votes I will get will be those in support of [former] president Duterte. But the support may even grow since many Filipinos are also angered by [the ICC’s] interference in our sovereignty, so its impact on my reelection bid may even be positive,” he said. Dela Rosa reiterated that the drug war was launched by the Duterte administration not for any personal gain but “to protect the Filipino people from the drug menace, especially our youth.” The post ICC probe: Allow now, challenge later appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Duterte not keen to lead Marcos drug war
Despite the lobbying of his close allies, Former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte has rejected calls for him to become the country’s anti-drug czar under the Marcos administration. Duterte said he is not keen on leading the government’s anti-drug campaign, saying President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should be given "the greatest elbow room" to do so in a year. “Mukhang hindi na rin tama (I don't think it's right), Pastor, because there is the President duly elected and it is his duty to enforce the law and solve crimes,” Duterte told Pastor Apollo Quiboloy in an interview on the SMNI Channel aired Wednesday night. Duterte preferred to leave the job to Marcos, stressing that “it’s a matter of leadership.” “Let us give Marcos the greatest elbow room leeway to do his job in just one year,” he said. Senators Christopher “Bong” Go earlier raised the idea to make Duterte the anti-drug czar during a Senate hearing into the recent multibillion shabu haul, where various members of the Philippine National Police were implicated for alleged illegal drug trade and cover-up activities. Go said the previous government had significantly reduced drug syndicates and criminality. “It's really necessary, we really need to apply the iron hand to these policemen. They really need to be scared,” he stressed. Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela, who was Duterte’s PNP chief when the anti-drug war was launched, backed Go’s recommendation, saying the former President is a good fit for the position. ”Ako, personally, maganda sana. Babalik iyong takot ng mga drug syndicate, particularly sa mga pulis na involved dito sa drugs, mga ninja cop,” he said in an earlier interview. The post Duterte not keen to lead Marcos drug war appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go calls for continuing campaign vs illegal drugs, criminality
Amid the prevalence of drug cases even involving some members of the Philippine National Police, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has called on the government to adopt stricter and more robust measures to address the persistent challenges of illegal drugs and criminality in the country. In an ambush interview after his visit to Sta. Cruz, Manila on Wednesday, 24 May, Go acknowledged that eradicating illegal drugs and criminality requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing both law enforcement and social reform. Drawing inspiration from the successful campaigns during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, Go expressed that similar strong-arm tactics and approaches are necessary to continue building a safer society. He likewise added that a renewed focus on combating drug issues will contribute to a safer and more secure country. “Ako po ay nasasayangan kung mawala ang inumpisahan ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, ‘yung inumpisahan niyang labanan po itong iligal na droga. Alam n’yo kapag bumalik po ang iligal na droga, babalik po ang korapsyon sa gobyerno, nabibili eh. At babalik po ang kriminalidad, ‘yun po ang takot ko dito. Itong kapulisan medyo kamay na bakal ang kailangan dito. Kailangan talagang takutin,” Go urged. During the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs hearing on Tuesday, 23 May, Go asked the PNP leadership about the possibility of tapping former president Duterte as the government’s anti-drug czar, considering the latter’s campaign saw a notable decline in crime rates. “Ako naman, sabi ko nga prerogative po ‘yan ng appointing authority, ang mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos. Kung saka-sakali naman, malaking tulong po si former president Duterte. Ibig sabihin ang kailangan dito ay talagang kamay na bakal, takutin mo talaga. Pero kailangan may ngipin. Kung gagawin man siyang drug czar dapat may ngipin kasi kapag walang ngipin hindi katatakutan ‘yan,” Go asserted. “Napag-usapan lang po ‘yun dahil talagang dismayado tayo sa mga nadiskubreng kalokohan. Mga pulis pa naman itong mga ito, dapat nga kayo ang magprotekta sa taumbayan, kayo pa ang pumasok sa droga. Alam n’yo bawat isang gramo na kumalat diyan sa daan, ito napakalaking quantity po ito ng droga, ilang buhay na naman kaya ang sisirain nito kapag kumalat ‘yan sa daan. Ilang pamilya ang masisira, ilang buhay ang wawasakin, ilang pamilya ang wawasakin kapag kumalat ang droga na ‘yan. Alam n’yo salot talaga ang droga na ‘yan,” he lamented. Go’s colleague, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, then expressed his support for the idea, saying, “Ako, personally, maganda sana kasi babalik ang takot ng mga drug syndicates, particularly ‘yung mga pulis na involved—‘yung mga ninja cops. Matatakot at matatakot talaga ‘yan.” The senator also stressed the importance of immediately addressing underlying issues that contribute to these problems. He has called for stronger coordination among various law enforcement agencies to ensure a holistic approach in combating these issues. “Dapat talagang himayin nang mabuti, kasuhan na po ang dapat kasuhan. Ihiwalay po ang mga bulok para hindi makahawa at lumabas po ang katotohanan. At suportado ko si Sen. Bato dela Rosa sa kanyang layuning malaman po ang katotohanan,” underscored Go. “Kaya nga po nagdidinig sa Senado, kaya nga po nagkakaroon tayo ng public hearing sa Public Order Committee para malaman ang katotohanan. Kaya lang parang pinapaikot-ikot na lang po ang istorya at ang iba po’y hindi nagko-cooperate,” he continued. In the end, Go said that he is convinced that President Marcos possesses the necessary determination to implement effective measures that will address the drug problem at its core, highlighting, “Alam ko naman na seryoso po ang ating administrasyon na sugpuin po ang iligal na droga. Nagtitiwala po ako sa leadership ng Philippine National Police, disente po itong taong ito.” “Importante lang dito talaga ay medyo strong position na takutin mo, dapat takutin mo talaga. Kapag hindi mo takutin mamayagpag po ang mga sindikato na ‘yan,” he concluded. The post Go calls for continuing campaign vs illegal drugs, criminality appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
To `sow fear’ among scalawags, Go proposes Duterte anti-drug czar
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Tuesday raised the idea of making former president Rodrigo Duterte the country’s anti-drug czar to “sow fear” among cops involved in criminalities. Go made this suggestion during the discussion of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on the possible cover-up by the Philippine National Police among its ranks involved in the P6.7-billion “shabu” haul in Manila last year. At the hearing, Go asked former PNP Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. if Duterte would be helpful should he be tapped as the country’s anti-drug czar by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “If ever, well. It’s a prerogative of the President as the appointing authority. If ever, do you think it would be helpful if President Duterte will be appointed as drug czar?" Go said in vernacular. Azurin responded that he will be supportive of any government initiative to eliminate the distribution of illegal drugs in the country. “I don’t know if I can comment on that, what the setup would be, but anything on the campaign against illegal drugs, I will be supportive,” he said. Considering the number of cops allegedly involved in the supposed “recycling” of confiscated drugs, Go sees the efforts of the Duterte administration against drug activities and criminalities might be put to waste “if it continues to proliferate.” “Let’s not waste what former President Duterte started to fight against illegal drugs. Once the illegal drugs return, we know that criminality and corruption will also go back,” Go said. Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, the committee chairperson, expressed dismay and frustration over the alleged involvement of policemen in the “shabu” mess considering that the country’s war on drugs campaign has already reached the international scene. “I feel bad about it, you listen to me all policemen, my case has already reached the ICC because of our fight against illegal drugs. Despite this, all you think about is money. You are even in a syndicate. I can't digest this if this is happening to the police—joining a syndicate,” Dela Rosa said in vernacular. Dela Rosa said the Senate panel has acquired substantial basis to conclude that there was “really an attempt to cover up” the arrest of PMSgt. Rodolfo Mayo during an illegal drug operation last year. “For me, it is an attempted cover-up. It was not fully consummated by the fact that in the end, Mayo was also charged,” he said. Mayo was physically present during the second and third hearings on his case. But he did not divulge anything nor implicate anyone in the illegal matter. The senators cited Mayo in contempt for refusing to cooperate with Dela Rosa warned the attempted cover-up “has yet to be seen.” Senators also cited Mayo’s superior, National Capital Region Drug Enforcement officer-in-charge Lieutenant Colonel Arnulfo Ibañez, in contempt for testifying that he was not aware of his subordinate’s activities. The post To `sow fear’ among scalawags, Go proposes Duterte anti-drug czar appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
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