Day: March 20, 2025

Manila: Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla reaffirmed that the International Criminal Court (ICC) does not have jurisdiction over the Philippines as a state, but rather only over individuals accused of crimes under international humanitarian law. During an inquiry by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Remulla explained that while the ICC’s jurisdiction spans globally, it is limited to prosecuting individuals and not states. According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla cited Republic Act No. 9851, the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity, enacted in 2009. This legislation aligns the Philippines with international legal

Negros Occidental: A prelate said Thursday the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte is a glimmer of hope for the victims of his bloody crackdown on illegal drugs and their families. In a statement, San Carlos, Negros Occidental Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said this development has given renewed vigor to advocates of peace and justice. According to Philippines News Agency, Bishop Alminaza expressed that the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against former President Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity stemming from his drug war policy represents a significant moment. He noted that this development brings

Manila: A private lawyer accredited with the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Thursday said the proceedings against former president Rodrigo Duterte before the Netherlands-based tribunal may be completed sooner than expected due to substantial evidence against the former chief executive. ‘The case against Mr. Duterte may be completed in as little as a year considering the evidence at hand,’ trial lawyer Joel Butuyan told reporters at the Meet the Manila Press forum. According to Philippines News Agency, Butuyan made the comment when asked if the proceedings would take as long as the case of another client of lawyer Nicholas Kaufman

Manila: Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency: PDEA agents have arrested a suspect and seized PHP272 million worth of suspected shabu concealed in 40 black gold foil packs labeled as ‘freeze-dried durian’ in Chinese characters. According to Philippines News Agency, PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez stated that the suspect, known by the alias Ronald, was arrested by joint elements of PDEA and the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Unit. The arrest took place during a buy-bust operation at Rizal Cement Village in Barangay Pantok, Binangonan, Rizal late Wednesday night. Nerez revealed that each of the 40 black gold foil packs contained one

Manila: The Philippine government on Thursday formally launched the United Nations-owned goTravel software solution to enhance national border management capabilities targeted at preventing the travel of known and suspected terrorists and individuals affiliated with organized crime groups. The goTravel software solution supports law enforcement with the end-to-end processing of passenger data, which will enhance national border management capabilities, providing a key tool to enable authorities to detect and prevent the travel of known and suspected terrorists and other serious criminals, while safeguarding privacy and data protection. According to Philippines News Agency, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin emphasized the administration’s commitment to