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Advocates Philippines
ICC Update: Former And Active PNP Officials Named As Suspects In Duterte Case
Photo credit: Sen. Bato Dela Rosa
In a significant development, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has named several former and active officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) as suspects in its investigation against former President Rodrigo Duterte. This investigation focuses on alleged crimes committed during Duterte’s controversial "War on Drugs" campaign.
Who’s on the List?
The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the ICC has identified the following individuals as suspects:
1. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa - Former Chief of the PNP
2. Oscar Albayalde- Retired member and former Chief of the PNP
3. Romeo Caramat Jr.- Former Chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and currently acting area commander of Northern Luzon
4. Edilberto Leonardo - Former Commissioner of the National Police Commission (NaPolCom)
5. Eleazar Mata - Former PNP Chief Intelligence Officer
Background on the ICC Investigation
The ICC investigation into the situation in the Philippines began on September 15, 2021. This was when Pre-Trial Chamber 1 authorized the Prosecutor to look into alleged crimes committed between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019. These crimes are linked to Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which has been criticized for widespread and systematic killings of suspected drug offenders.
The Philippine government initially requested that the ICC defer its investigation in favor of local investigations. However, the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber authorized the resumption of the investigation on January 26, 2023, and this decision was upheld by the Appeals Chamber on July 18, 2023.
What’s Next?
The OTP is currently focused on gathering all relevant facts and evidence, including the perspectives of those under suspicion. The named officials will have the opportunity to provide their versions of events as part of the ICC’s commitment to a thorough and balanced investigation.
As the ICC continues its investigation, the involvement of high-ranking officials in Duterte's administration brings a new level of scrutiny to the "War on Drugs" and its deadly impact on the Philippines. The world now watches to see how this legal process unfolds and what implications it will have for justice and accountability in the Philippines.
Who’s on the List?
The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the ICC has identified the following individuals as suspects:
1. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa - Former Chief of the PNP
2. Oscar Albayalde- Retired member and former Chief of the PNP
3. Romeo Caramat Jr.- Former Chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and currently acting area commander of Northern Luzon
4. Edilberto Leonardo - Former Commissioner of the National Police Commission (NaPolCom)
5. Eleazar Mata - Former PNP Chief Intelligence Officer
Background on the ICC Investigation
The ICC investigation into the situation in the Philippines began on September 15, 2021. This was when Pre-Trial Chamber 1 authorized the Prosecutor to look into alleged crimes committed between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019. These crimes are linked to Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which has been criticized for widespread and systematic killings of suspected drug offenders.
The Philippine government initially requested that the ICC defer its investigation in favor of local investigations. However, the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber authorized the resumption of the investigation on January 26, 2023, and this decision was upheld by the Appeals Chamber on July 18, 2023.
What’s Next?
The OTP is currently focused on gathering all relevant facts and evidence, including the perspectives of those under suspicion. The named officials will have the opportunity to provide their versions of events as part of the ICC’s commitment to a thorough and balanced investigation.
As the ICC continues its investigation, the involvement of high-ranking officials in Duterte's administration brings a new level of scrutiny to the "War on Drugs" and its deadly impact on the Philippines. The world now watches to see how this legal process unfolds and what implications it will have for justice and accountability in the Philippines.
Jul 26, 2024
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