A lawyer has asked President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to send former police officer Royina Garma’s testimony to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Garma revealed in a House inquiry how cash rewards were given for killings during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
Lawyer Kristina Conti, who is qualified to assist cases at the ICC, believes the court should see this testimony. Conti said, “Garma’s statements show a pattern in the killings and point to those most responsible.” She urged President Marcos to hand over the evidence for the ICC’s case on crimes against humanity related to Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.
However, Malacañang (the Presidential Palace) said the Philippines will not return to the ICC. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed that President Marcos stands firm on not recognizing the ICC’s authority. The Philippines pulled out of the ICC in 2019 when it began investigating Duterte’s war on drugs.
Conti believes Garma’s testimony offers strong proof of how killings were organized and rewarded, showing why police officers were involved. Garma said up to P1 million was given for each killing, and that Duterte personally asked her to find an officer who would apply the “Davao model” across the country—a system where police were rewarded for eliminating drug suspects.
Malacañang’s response shows that the Philippines will not cooperate with the ICC in this matter.
