🇵🇭 Witness Claims ICC Investigators Met Philippine Figures Before Duterte Case

A televised interview clip circulating online features a man identified as Rosebert Waupan claiming that individuals later identified as prosecutors from the International Criminal Court (ICC) had conducted visits and meetings in Manila before the case involving former President Rodrigo Duterte gained momentum.

During the interview with journalist Jessica Soho, Waupan described alleged activities involving the supposed investigators and meetings with several personalities.

Interview Raises Questions About Alleged ICC Visits and Meetings in Manila

A clip from a television interview has begun circulating online after a witness named Rosebert Waupan claimed that individuals later recognized as ICC prosecutors had conducted preliminary activities in Manila.

According to Waupan, the group allegedly conducted an “ocular visit” around Manila in December 2023 before holding meetings with several individuals.

When asked by Jessica Soho what the investigators supposedly did during their visit, Waupan described a sequence of events that he claims took place.

Alleged Timeline According to the Interview

Based on Waupan’s statement:

• In December 2023, individuals he later recognized as ICC prosecutors allegedly conducted an ocular inspection around Manila.

• He claims they met with someone referred to as “ST,” which he said was a codename for former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.

• Waupan also alleged that the group later went to a townhouse where they supposedly met with businessman Zaldy Co and a former Speaker of the House.

• According to his account, the group left the country and later returned again in 2024.

These statements were presented as part of the interview discussion but have not been independently verified by courts or official investigative bodies.

Verification Still Needed

Claims made during televised interviews do not automatically constitute verified evidence.

For such allegations to carry legal weight, they typically must be supported by:

• Documentary evidence

• Witness corroboration

• Official records

• Court proceedings

At present, there has been no confirmed ruling or official statement from the ICC verifying the alleged meetings described in the clip.

The Broader ICC Context

The ICC investigation centers on alleged crimes against humanity connected to the anti-drug campaign conducted during Duterte’s presidency.

The Court’s Pre-Trial Chamber is currently evaluating whether the case should move forward to full trial.

Supporters of Duterte argue that the ICC has no jurisdiction following the Philippines’ withdrawal from the court, while critics maintain that the alleged crimes occurred when the country was still a member of the Rome Statute.

Political Reactions

Clips from the interview have circulated widely online, fueling debate among political supporters and critics.

Some view the claims as evidence of international coordination behind the investigation, while others caution that allegations must be verified before drawing conclusions.

Legal experts often stress that political claims made in interviews should not be mistaken for court-tested evidence.