The International Criminal Court (ICC) has taken the first step in an investigation into Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war, which has left thousands of people dead.
Duterte’s office announced on Thursday that it has received a notice that the international tribunal “is opening preliminary examination” into the deaths to determine if the gravity of the crimes fall under its jurisdiction.
The case stems from a complaint filed before the international court last year accusing Duterte of ordering the killings “repeatedly, unchangingly, and continuously”.
Harry Roque, Duterte’s spokesman told reporters in Manila, that the president “welcomes” the move, but added that it is “intended to embarrass” him.
“The president has said that he welcomes this preliminary examination, because he is sick and tired of being accused of the commission of crimes against humanity,” Roque said.
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