Barbers Says ICC Free to Use Public Records on Duterte’s Anti-Drug Campaign

MANILA — House Committee on Dangerous Drugs Chair and Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers stated on Thursday that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is free to use the records of ongoing legislative hearings concerning the Duterte administration’s “war on drugs” for its investigations. Barbers emphasized that these hearings are public, and as such, their transcripts or records are accessible to anyone, including the ICC.

According to Philippines News Agency, the joint investigation being conducted by four committees will examine the possible connections between Philippine online gaming operators (POGOs), crime, illegal drugs, and alleged human rights violations during the anti-drug campaign of former President Rodrigo Duterte. While Barbers expressed no objection to the ICC using the records of the House hearings, he clarified that he does not support the use of the House Committee on Human Rights’ records by the ICC.

Manila 6th District Representative Bienvenido “Benny” Abante echoed Barbers’ sentiments, stating that he prefers the ICC to gather its own evidence independently. Abante also underscored that he would not permit the Committee on Human Rights to be used by the ICC in its investigations. He referenced the stance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who has made it clear that the Philippines does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction.

Reports indicate that the ICC is currently gathering evidence related to alleged crimes against humanity, specifically unlawful killings, associated with Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. Government data shows that over 6,200 drug suspects were killed in anti-narcotics operations between June 2016 and November 2021 during the Duterte administration.