Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 23) — Issues on human rights and the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) drug war investigation were raised when members of the European Parliament met with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and other officials in Manila on Thursday.
In a statement, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Philippine authorities and delegates of the EU parliament’s subcommittee on human rights “exchanged views” on the topics, and likewise discussed potential areas of cooperation.
“[The] visit is taking place in the context of the open and regular engagement on human rights between the Philippines and the EU (European Union), and the shared aim to further engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation,” the DOJ said.
Reiterating his previous stand, Remulla also told the European parliamentarians that if the ICC would insist on a probe, then it should just let the DOJ handle the matter.
“Ang sabi ko lang doon, inaayos na rin namin ang sistema. Kung may problema talaga ang ICC na gusto nila imbestigahan dito, ibigay na lang sa amin, kami na gagawa. Kasi ‘yan, these are crimes committed in the Philippines, by Filipinos, di ba? Eh, kami na lang ang gagawa,” Remulla told reporters.
[Translation: I told them we’re fixing the system. If the ICC really has a problem and wants to investigate, then give it to us, we’ll do it. Because these are crimes committed in the Philippines, by Filipinos, right? We’ll do it.]
The ICC previously said it was “not satisfied” with developments in the Philippines’ investigations into the drug war killings.
After their courtesy visit to Remulla and the DOJ, the EU delegates also held a dialogue with officials from various government agencies, including the Interior and Foreign Affairs Departments, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Philippine National Police.
Earlier in the day, the international lawmakers also met with members of Congress, where they were further briefed about the human rights situation in the country.
