The principal counsel of the independent Office of Public Counsel for Victims (OPCV) at the International Criminal Court (ICC) requested the Chamber to reject the defense's plea for the interim release of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

In its request dated June 25, Paolina Massida, the principal counsel of the independent OPCV at the ICC noted that "Duterte’s continued detention is necessary to ensure his appearance at trial" and "to ensure he does not obstruct or endanger the Court’s proceedings."

She said Duterte’s continued detention is also necessary to prevent further commission of crimes and that there are no humanitarian factors established to justify his interim release.

"Mr. Duterte’s interim release, if granted, will endanger victims," she said.

Earlier this week, the ICC Office of the Prosecutor also submitted that same request to the Pre-Trial Chamber 1. The 15-page document dated June 23, was signed by Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang.

In a press conference on Thursday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla assures the protection of the witnesses who will face the ICC when the trial of Duterte starts.

"We will protect the witnesses. Whatever it takes to protect the witnesses, we will do it, because the prosecution will rely on these witnesses to prove their case," he said.

"We already chose not to pursue the cases and let the ICC pursue these cases. Given that, it also becomes our obligation to help them because we are giving up our jurisdiction for their jurisdiction," he added. Robina Asido/DMS