Philippines says won't cooperate with ICC probe of 'war on drugs'

Protesters hold photographs of alleged victims of extra-judicial killings and mock mugshots of President Rodrigo Duterte, during a protest to mark Duterte's final year in office, in Manila, in June 2021. - Reuters

MANILA, Sept 16 (Reuters): The Philippines will not cooperate with a formal investigation launched by the International Criminal Court (ICC) into possible crimes against humanity committed in President Rodrigo Duterte's "war on drugs", a presidential spokesperson said.

Judges at the ICC on Wednesday (Sept 15)approved a formal probe into Duterte's signature anti-narcotics campaign in which thousands have died, a move welcomed by rights groups.