The President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, said he has no objection to being held responsible for the widespread killings under his anti-drug crackdown. He was reportedly prepared to face charges that could see him imprisoned, but not, however, ready to admit to ‘crimes against humanity’.

Euro News reports that the killing of 6000 drug suspects by police had been reported since Duterte took office in 2016. Rights groups suspect the death toll is far higher.

Duterte’s televised remarks Monday night, were, according to Euro News, his clearest acknowledgement of the possibility that he could face a barrage of criminal charges. He said, “If there’s killing there, I’m saying I’m the one … you can hold me responsible for anything, any death that has occurred in the execution of the drug war.” He added that he would gladly go to jail if it meant he was serving his country.

An International Criminal Court prosecutor is to determine whether there is enough evidence to open a full-scale investigation into crimes against humanity and mass murder regarding  Duterte’s campaign. Duterte responded to the grievances by withdrawing the Philippines  from the world tribunal two years ago. Meanwhile, the ICC prosecutor has said the examination into the drug killings would continue despite the Philippine withdrawal.

Three police officers were convicted of murdering a 17-year-old in 2018, when witnesses and a security video falsified their claim that the teenager was shot after violently resisting. Other extrajudicial killings are also suspected to have been executed.

Umm Muhammed Umar