SolGen: PH can’t appeal ICC ruling on drug probe

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Philippines has no more available appeal in case the International Criminal Court decides on Tuesday to deny Manila’s plea to stop the ICC prosecutor’s investigation of the killings arising from President Rodrigo Duterte’s war against illegal drugs.

“In case our appeal is denied, the ICC prosecutor will be authorized to resume his investigation into the Philippine situation. There is no further appeal available to the Philippine government,” Solicitor General Menado Guevarra said in a text message to Manila Standard on Sunday.

“Depending on the evidence he may able to gather, the ICC prosecutor may seek the issuance of summonses or warrants of arrest against certain individuals,” Guevarra added.

As a judicial institution, the ICC does not have its own police force or enforcement body.

On its website, the ICC said it "relies on the cooperation of countries worldwide for support, particularly for making arrests, transferring arrested persons to the ICC detention center in The Hague, freezing suspects' assets, and enforcing sentences."