In a recent televised interview, Vice President Sara Duterte of the Philippines addressed accusations that she was involved in the highly controversial drug war led by her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte. The accusations were made by former senator Antonio Trillanes 4th, who claimed that Duterte was among the respondents in the International Criminal Court’s investigation into the campaign, which allegedly resulted in the deaths of thousands of individuals.
Trillanes alleged that when Duterte was the mayor of Davao City, she approved the continuation of the “Oplan Tokhang” operations. He stated, “There is evidence that when she was still mayor, extrajudicial killings in Davao City continued and that the Davao Death Squad sought her permission to continue the ‘Tokhang’ program under mayor Rodrigo Duterte.”
The Davao Death Squad, also known as DDS, was allegedly responsible for carrying out the killings of drug suspects in Davao City during Rodrigo Duterte’s tenure as mayor. However, Vice President Duterte strongly denied any involvement with the so-called “Davao Death Squad” during her years as mayor.
She expressed her surprise at suddenly being accused and stated, “But when I became vice president, suddenly, there were witnesses against me and now I am part of the accused in the International Criminal Court. I don’t need a death squad for the things that I can do.” Duterte emphasized that she is prepared to face any accusations against her, but she insists on facing the charges before a Filipino judge and a Filipino court.
Duterte made it clear that she will not participate in a process that would not only bring shame to the country but also undermine the integrity of the Filipino courts, judges, and the justice system. She firmly believes that the investigation should be handled within the Philippines and urged her fellow Filipinos not to allow foreigners to participate in any investigation that could potentially tarnish the country’s reputation.
The accusations against Vice President Duterte highlight the ongoing controversy surrounding the drug war in the Philippines. The International Criminal Court’s investigation aims to shed light on the alleged extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses that occurred during the campaign. The accusations against Duterte, as a prominent figure in her father’s administration, have drawn significant attention both domestically and internationally.
It is important to note that Vice President Duterte’s response reflects her commitment to the Filipino justice system and her desire to protect the country’s reputation. By emphasizing the need for a fair trial conducted by Filipino authorities, she aims to ensure that justice is served in a manner that respects the country’s sovereignty.
As the accusations and investigations continue, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. The international community will be watching closely to see how the Philippines addresses these allegations and whether the country can uphold its commitment to justice and the rule of law.
In conclusion, Vice President Sara Duterte’s response to the accusations in the International Criminal Court’s drug war investigation demonstrates her readiness to face any allegations against her. She firmly believes in the integrity of the Filipino justice system and urges her fellow Filipinos to protect the country’s reputation by handling the investigation internally. The ongoing controversy surrounding the drug war highlights the need for a transparent and fair process to address the alleged human rights abuses. As the situation develops, it is crucial to uphold the principles of justice and ensure that all parties involved are held accountable within the bounds of the law.
Source: The Manila Times
