ICC Office of Prosecutor denies ex-Marines' claims, asserts independence

The International Criminal Court's Office of the Prosecutor said Thursday that its activities are funded through the court's budget, noting that the expenses are strictly managed through an independent and transparent manner.

The statement came after 18 personalities who were introduced as supposed ex-Marines, with their lawyer Atty. Levito “Levy” Baligod, claimed that former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co and former senator Antonio Trillanes IV funded the hotel accommodations of the ICC probers, hinting corruption in the independent body's probe.

''OTP activities are funded through the Court’s budget approved by the ICC Assembly of States Parties and subject to established oversight mechanisms,'' the Public Information Unit of the Office of the Prosecutor told GMA Integrated News.

''The costs related to OTP prosecutions and investigations activities, including missions’ expenses are fully covered by this budget managed strictly by the Office in an independent and transparent manner, and in accordance with ICC financial rules and regulations,'' it added.

It further said the Office independently collects the information relevant to its investigations, identifies the individuals from whom it collects witness statements, and assesses the credibility, reliability, and relevance of all sources of information it requests and receives, and examines incriminating and exonerating evidence equally.

''The disclosure of information in the cases before the Court is strictly regulated by the ICC legal framework and under the control of the independent ICC Judges,'' it noted.

The ICC has been investigating the violent drug campaign of former President Rodrigo Duterte. A pre-trial hearing is ongoing over Duterte's crimes against humanity charges over extrajudicial killings when he was still mayor of Davao City and during his presidency.

Baligod had said ICC investigators did not conduct a “bona fide” investigation in the country regarding the matter as they only interviewed witnesses sent by Trillanes, a staunch critic of Duterte and his policies.

The lawyer also claimed that the investigators exchanged cash amounting to $2 million in December 2023.

Trillanes has denied the accusation and vowed to file charges against Baligod and other personalities who were making false allegations against him.

Meanwhile, the Office said it does not comment on operational matters with respect to ongoing investigations and prosecutions to protect the integrity of the investigations and operations as well as to ensure the safety and security of victims, witnesses, and all those with whom the Office interacts, as well as its staff.

''The sources of evidence including names of staff and names of witnesses or institutions/organizations the Office interacts with during its investigations are subject to confidentiality,'' it said.—AOL, GMA Integrated News