MANILA — Malacañang said the Philippine government has no involvement in the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to formally charge former President Rodrigo Duterte with three counts of crimes against humanity linked to his war on illegal drugs.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Duterte’s fate now rests with the ICC prosecutor and witnesses.

“No reaction. The Philippine government has nothing to do with the investigation, with the hearing or the proceedings before the ICC,” Castro said.

She added, “So, hayaan lang po natin ang mga prosecutors doon at mga witnesses na silang gumanap ng katungkulan (let the prosecutors and witnesses perform their duties).”

According to a court document signed by Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, Duterte faces three counts of murder against humanity for the deaths of 78 individuals during his anti-illegal drugs campaign in Davao City and nationwide.

The first count involves 19 victims in Davao City between 2013 and 2016. The second count covers 14 “High-Value Targets” across the Philippines from 2016 to 2017. The third count pertains to 45 victims of murder and attempted murder during barangay clearance operations nationwide from 2016 to 2018.

Castro also addressed Vice President Sara Duterte’s claim that another country had committed to host her father if the ICC grants his request for interim release.

“Nagbunga naman po yata ang madalas niyang pagbabiyahe. So kung iyan ay good news po sa kanila at kung ano po ang magiging decision ng ICC, tatanggapin naman po ‘yan ng pamahalaang Marcos Jr. (It seems that her frequent travels have borne fruit. If that is good news for them, then whatever decision the ICC makes, the Marcos Jr. administration will accept it),” she said. (PNA)