ILOILO City – Former congressman Salvador “Buddy” Britanico, whose businessman-son Delfin was killed during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, expressed mixed sentiments over the latter’s arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Britanico said he welcomed the development but emphasized that justice has yet to be fully served insofar as his sons’ killing is concerned.
“It is better for the ICC to take jurisdiction and investigate all accusations against Duterte. If our own courts or government handle the investigation, the outcome will likely spark different reactions and complaints,” Britanico told DYFM Bombo Radyo Iloilo in an interview.
An ICC-led investigation would dispel any notion that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has control or influence over the proceedings, he added.
“So nobody can say that President Marcos or anyone else has control over this case, it is proper for the ICC to take notice of it,” Britanico stressed.
Justice Still Elusive
Delfin Britanico was shot to death on the Iloilo River Boulevard, Barangay Nabitasan, La Paz district here on January 19, 2020.
His father filed charges against several city police officers based on the statement of a policeman that Delfin was a collateral casualty of a police operation against drug suspect Alain Muller in Jaro district carried out just minutes prior.
“Indi kami satisfied (with the ICC case against Duterte) kay man siempre may mga police officers gid iya nga specifically indicted or ginkiha namon sa pagpatay kay Toto Delfin,” said Britanico.
He added: “Ultimately, we want those who participated in his murder, as well as that of Alain Muller of Jaro district, to be held accountable. And it’s not just about my son — there were other victims of extrajudicial killings in Iloilo, yet until now, there is no resolution. Justice must be served.”
The wave of extrajudicial killings in the previous administration was fueled by a reward system for police officers who killed drug suspects, said Britanico.
“Many police officers were drawn to the rewards. Suspects were killed on sight — no questions asked, no investigations. They were not even given the chance to surrender,” he lamented.
The death of Delfin opened people’s eyes to the reality of extrajudicial killings in Iloilo city and province at that time, said Britanico.
He further cited Duterte’s own testimony before a Senate committee, where the former president admitted to ordering the drug war killings and taking responsibility for police actions.
Why the ICC Should Handle the Case
Britanico cited several reasons why he supports ICC’s jurisdiction over Duterte’s crime against humanity case.
First, he said, while the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019, it remains a signatory to the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), which plays a role in investigating international crimes. This, he said, explains why President Marcos and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla did not oppose Interpol’s serving of the ICC arrest warrant to Duterte.
Second, an ICC-led trial would prevent political bias, said Britanico.
“If our own courts prosecute Duterte, the government will be blamed for any conviction, with critics accusing Marcos of influencing the verdict. That’s why I agree that the ICC should handle the trial,” Britanico said.
Third, he noted that Duterte has the resources to mount a strong defense before the ICC, including hiring top criminal and ICC lawyers.
Britanico also said Filipinos need not worry about the ICC trial taking place at The Hague, Netherlands as it can still be monitored through various media platforms, including social media./PN
