MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday defended 18 former Marines who testified as alleged bagmen for resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, saying their revelations highlight concerns about the Philippines’ engagement with the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Duterte stressed that the testimony should not be dismissed as political maneuvering, arguing it touches on “the main principles of our national sovereignty.” She revealed that she wrote to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. seeking clarity on the administration’s official position regarding the ICC’s investigation into crimes against humanity linked to her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte and his war on drugs.
According to the vice president, Marcos told her the government “will not cooperate in any way” with the ICC, which she said affirms concerns about foreign interference. Duterte said the affidavit of the 18 former security personnel should not be viewed merely as political, emphasizing it involves core issues of sovereignty.
The affidavit, submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman, alleges that multiple lawmakers and officials received money from Co, though those named, including former senators Antonio Trillanes IV and Leila de Lima, have denied wrongdoing. Philippine Navy officials noted that four signatories were never Marines, and most were dishonorably discharged.
Duterte said the case underscores the need for careful attention to national sovereignty, rather than treating the issue as a political dispute.
