ICC prosec has no proof there were other minor victims, aside from Kian delos Santos — Kaufman

Former President Rodrigo Duterte's legal counsel said Friday that the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecution provided no proof of any other minor victims of the Duterte administration’s drug war, aside from 17-year-old Kian delos Santos.

“Apart from Kian delos Santos, the Prosecution has not, despite its emphasis on children, presented to this chamber during these proceedings any evidence that even one victim, apart from Kian, in its 49 incidents was a minor,” layer Nicholas Kaufman said.

“No birth certificate, no corroborative evidence, nothing,” he added.

Kaufman made his remarks as the defense presented its submission on the merits of the case during the Duterte’s last confirmation of charges hearing. 

Then 17-year-old Delos Santos was shot dead in August 2017 after he allegedly fought back during an anti-drug operation in Caloocan.

A year later, a Caloocan City Court found convicted three policemen of murder over Delos Santos’ death. The Court, however, acquitted the cops on the charge of planting evidence and of illegal drug charges.

READ: DAY IN COURT: ICC Hearings on the Charges vs. Duterte

The ICC Office of the Prosecutor has charged Duterte with 3 counts of crimes against humanity for alleged murder and attempted murder during his time as mayor and presidency. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News