Metro Manila, Philippines – Former Justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said he will not go into hiding after International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutors tagged him as an alleged co-perpetrator in the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign, while vowing instead to seek relief through local courts.
In an interview on The Newsmaker, Aguirre denied any involvement in extrajudicial killings and said he was preparing legal steps to challenge what he described as an “unjust accusation.”
“I have to deny and I have to take some steps in order to protect myself about this unjust accusation against me,” Aguirre said, adding that he may file petitions in court even before any arrest warrant is issued.
Aguirre said he was surprised to be included in the ICC filing, insisting he never participated in planning or implementing policies related to the controversial anti-drug campaign.
“Completely wala. We are just doing what role in the Philippine government the department should have,” he said when asked whether he issued directives tied to the drug war.
[Translation: There was none. We only performed the role expected of the department in government.]
He also denied providing legal advice to former president Rodrigo Duterte on the framework of the anti-drug operations.
“Not at any time. Written or verbal, wala,” Aguirre said.
[Translation: Not at any time. Written or verbal, none.]
Aguirre said prosecutors may have included his name to support allegations that the anti-drug campaign was part of a broader “common plan” or state policy involving multiple government agencies.
“Para maging credible yung kanilang accusation that there was this common plan… kailangan kasama ang Department of Justice,” he said.
[Translation: For their accusation about a ‘common plan’ to be credible… the Department of Justice has to be included.]
He maintained that while he supported efforts to combat illegal drugs, he did not endorse unlawful killings.
Aguirre said he is considering filing legal remedies in local courts.
“So I should be prepared to file the necessary petition in court… there is already a danger that that warrant of arrest might be issued,” he said.
He also called on the Supreme Court to clarify procedures governing requests from international tribunals, arguing that Filipinos should undergo a judicial process locally before being transferred abroad.
Asked about public speculation that some officials might avoid authorities, Aguirre said he intends to remain in the country and face any accusations.
“Harapin ko yan… Hindi ako magtatago,” he said.
[Translation: I will face it… I will not hide.]
ICC prosecutors earlier identified several current and former officials — including Aguirre — as alleged co-perpetrators in crimes against humanity linked to the anti-drug campaign, a designation that legal experts say does not automatically mean arrest warrants will be issued.
