MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte expressed admiration for the courage of 18 former members of the Philippine Marines who recently surfaced and executed affidavits regarding the alleged presence of International Criminal Court (ICC) investigators in the country. 

In a Facebook post, Duterte said she respected the bravery of the men, who identified themselves as former security personnel of ex-Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co.

“Hanga ako sa tapang ng mga dating security personnel ni Zaldy Co na naglakas-loob magsalita batay sa kanilang personal na kaalaman tungkol sa mga usaping matagal ko nang nalalaman,” Duterte wrote, noting that she had long been aware of information about alleged coordination between certain Philippine officials and ICC investigators.

The Vice President added that she formally wrote to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to put on record the administration’s position regarding the claims. The affidavits, signed by the 18 ex-Marines, alleged that ICC investigators had entered the Philippines and coordinated with local officials in connection with the crimes against humanity case against former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The ex-Marines also claimed they were involved in activities linked to former Representative Zaldy Co, including alleged financial transactions and meetings tied to ICC investigations. Their statements have stirred political debate, with some lawmakers calling for a deeper probe into the allegations, while others questioned the credibility of the witnesses.

Sara Duterte’s public support for the ex-Marines comes amid ongoing ICC hearings on her father’s controversial war on drugs. The ICC is currently determining whether charges against the former president should proceed to trial. The Vice President’s remarks are expected to intensify discussions about the role of international bodies in Philippine affairs and the accountability of officials involved in the drug war.

The emergence of the 18 ex-Marines and their sworn statements has added another layer of complexity to the ICC proceedings, raising questions about the extent of foreign involvement and the possible implications for the country’s sovereignty. As the issue unfolds, both the administration and opposition are likely to use the testimonies to bolster their respective positions on the ICC investigation.