THE HAGUE, The Netherlands (The Adobo Chronicles, Berlin Bureau) – The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has denied the Philippine government’s request for the suspension of the investigation of the tribunal’s prosecutor into the alleged crimes against humanity committed in the course of then President Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs.”

In an eight-page decision issued Monday at The Hague in The Netherlands, the Appeals Chamber said it “rejects the request of the Republic of the Philippines for suspensive effect” of the Pre-Trial Chamber’s decision.”

But to show its impartiality, the ICC also added ex-Vice President Leni Robredo as an additional “person of interest.” This new development stems from Robredo’s video message to the United Nations several years ago in which she accused the Duterte administration of “masterminding extra-judicial killings” and citing what Filipino law enforcement authorities call as “palit ulo” where the wife, husband or relative in a so-called drug list will be taken if the person himself or herself could not be found.”

ICC ordered Robredo to show solid proof and documentation of her allegations.