Kaufman denies Duterte link to missing drug war evidence, Palace seeks DOJ clarification

Metro Manila, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte’s lead counsel, saying it is still awaiting complete information from the Department of Justice (DOJ) on reports that drug war evidence had been destroyed - allegedly prompting the Philippines to allow the International Criminal Court (ICC) to proceed with its investigation.

In an interview in The Hague, Nicholas Kaufman denied the former president had anything to do with the destruction of evidence related to the controversial anti-drug campaign.

“What I do know is that my client, Mr. Duterte, had nothing to do with destroying any evidence,” Kaufman said.

“Destroying evidence is a criminal offense. It was not done, and it was not done at his request or on behalf of him. Let me make that very clear,” he added.

When asked to comment, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Kaufman was likely speaking based on information relayed to him.

“So, if that’s what he knows then so be it. Iyon siguro iyong kuwento sa kaniya kaya iyon lang din ang lalabas sa kaniyang mga pananalita,” Castro said.

[Translation: Perhaps that’s the version told to him, so that’s what he’s repeating]

Asked whether the Palace had been informed about the destroyed evidence, Castro said they have yet to receive a full briefing from Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla.

“Wala pa pong pinakadetalyeng nababanggit si SOJ Boying Remulla at aalamin natin kung ano pa itong mga ebidensiyang kaniyang nabanggit, pero of course kinikilala natin ang naging findings nitong si SOJ Boying Remulla,” she said.

[Translation: Justice Secretary Boying Remulla has not yet provided detailed information. We will verify what specific evidence he referred to, but we recognize his findings]

Earlier this week, Remulla told reporters that the DOJ could no longer move forward with some drug war cases because some evidence had already been destroyed. As a result, he said, the Philippines would allow the ICC to conduct its own probe.