Duterte to “cross-examine” ICC prosecutor if case against him prospers

February 13, 2018

President Rodrigo Duterte said he would "cross-examine" International Criminal Court prosecutor Fatou Bensouda if the complaint against him for allegedly committing mass murder of drug suspects prospers.

In a speech in Cebu City on Monday night, Duterte said he was even waiting for Bensouda to come to the Philippines.

"I'm waiting...a few questions, just the two of us. If she decides to file a case, I will cross-examine her there in the International (Criminal) Court. And she will find out that she's doing it wrong," he said.

Duterte said he would not falter on his campaign against illegal drugs despite the complaint lodged against him before the ICC.

He reiterated his order to the police and military to "work on it (against illegal drugs)."

"I take full responsibility of the consequences of the drug campaign against drugs whether intended or not. It will be my sole, singular responsibility, and I will answer alone," Duterte stressed.

He even dared the ICC to place him in a firing squad if he is found guilty of the crime against humanity.

"But do not mind me, I can take care of myself. If I get convicted, do not cry, I'd be happy to die. Tell them, I want a place where they allow firing squads, bring me there and shoot me," Duterte added.

The ICC is conducting preliminary examination on the complaint filed against Duterte by Filipino lawyer Jude Sabio for allegedly violating the Articles of Rome Statute through commission of mass murder or extrajudicial executions constituting crimes against humanity.

In his complaint, Sabio cited the thousands whom Duterte allegedly ordered killed when he was still mayor of Davao City and now he is the president of the Philippines. Celerina Monte/DMS