Moreno says he would not hand Duterte over to ICC

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso on Monday said that as president, he would not hand over President Rodrigo Duterte if he is found guilty by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“Hand [him] over, no. My job, see this is where leadership comes in. My job as a president, future tense lang tayo, elected president, my job is to protect you from any abuse, harm, and your rights are binibigay sayo,” he said in a briefing.

Moreno said the ICC cannot prosecute any individual in a country that has an existing and valid justice system.

“To interfere, merong pangaabuso sa karapatang pantao ng isang bansa sa kanyang mamayan na walang nagaganap na hustisya o walang makamit na hustisiya at hindi tumatakbo yung justice system,” he said.

([For the ICC to] interfere, there should be human rights abuses in a country without justice or where you cannot get justice and the justice system not functioning.)

Moreno said all Filipinos may be prosecuted if cases are filed against them in Philippine courts.

“Cause the job of the President… to project each and every citizen, Philippine citizen, whether nasa Pilipinas or nasa [ibang] bansa,” he said.

He also said his administration would be willing to launch an investigation into the drug war killings.

“Yes, why not? Bakit hindi. Kung mapapanatag ko lang ang damdamin ng bawat isa. Under our rules, under our laws,” he said.

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan has said his investigation into the Duterte administration's drug war would uncover the truth and ensure accountability for those involved in human rights abuses.

Duterte has said that he will prepare for his defense for the ICC investigation after he steps down from office.

Government data shows that more than 6,200 drug suspects have died in anti-narcotics sting operations since Duterte took office in June 2016 until November 2021. — BM, GMA News