Duterte’s refusal to cooperate with ICC may upset US and EU
PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte’s refusal to cooperate with a potential investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) of his deadly war on drugs could further upset Western powers such as the United States and European Union (EU), political analysts said. “Western powers such as the US and EU would certainly be concerned about this refusal to cooperate,” Robin Michael Garcia, president of WR Numero Research, said in a mobile phone message on Sunday. “Duterte’s refusal could embolden these countries to open up the conversation and make it part of negotiations in pandemic support and other types of aid,” he added. The presidential palace earlier rejected a recommendation by the ICC’s outgoing chief prosecutor to open a probe into alleged crimes against humanity committed by Mr. Duterte’s in connection with his anti-drug campaign. Presidential spokesman Herminio L. Roque, Jr. said the plan is “legally erroneous and politically-motivated,” adding that the international court does not have jurisdiction over cases involving crimes against humanity.