Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 7) – International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan, who’s leading the probe into the Duterte administration’s controversial drug war, vows to work towards a successful investigation, even as the Philippine government maintained its refusal to cooperate.

In a statement on Thursday, Khan said their investigation into the alleged crimes committed in the anti-drug campaign will “seek to uncover the truth” and hold perpetrators accountable.

“We will focus our efforts on ensuring a successful, independent and impartial investigation,” he said.

“In doing so, we aim to bring justice to the victims and affected communities, and count on the support and cooperation of States Parties, civil society and other partners,” Khan added.

The prosecutor said they remain willing to “constructively engage” with Philippine authorities as they undertake the work.

The Duterte administration has insisted the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines since it withdrew from the Rome Statute – the treaty that established the court – on March 17, 2019. But the ICC said it retains jurisdiction over the alleged crimes committed while the country was still a member.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has said he believes with the absence of cooperation from the government, there likely won’t be enough progress to even bring the case to trial.

Roque added that while the Philippines previously consented to being a member of the tribunal, it will only acknowledge the ICC’s jurisdiction if the country’s justice system is no longer working – something he said isn’t the case.

Last month, the ICC’s pre-trial chamber found reasonable basis to proceed with the investigation into the killings committed during the drug war from July 1, 2016 to March 16, 2019, as well as in Davao City – by what is known as the Davao Death Squad – between Nov. 1, 2011 to June 30, 2016.

The chamber said it reviewed 204 victims’ representations, adding that 94% of the victims were in favor of the probe.