Three of four key witnesses to the crimes against humanity case filed against former President Rodrigo Duterte have been placed under government protection.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the Marcos government has approved the request of the International Criminal Court to provide protection for the witnesses.

The witnesses are expected to be flown to the Netherlands to personally testify against Duterte who is facing charges in relation to the blood drug war that took place during his presidency.

“We will protect the witnesses. Whatever it takes to protect the witnesses, we will do it. Because the prosecution would relay on these witnesses,” Remulla told newsmen during an ambush interview.

However, Remulla said the security protection will be extended only while the witnesses are still in the Philippines.

“Siyempre pag dating doon kanila na yan. Pero habang nandito yan, we exhaust our obligation to them, if we can protect witness for other cases, why not in this case,” he explained.

The justice secretary said government will also be willing to take into its security protection more witnesses who may want to.

He also defended government’s decision to grant ICC’s request notwithstanding the fact that the Philippines is no longer a member of the ICC.

Remulla pointed out that the criminal responsibility being pursued by the ICC against Duterte were committed before Philippines withdrew its membership.

“We already chose nmot to pursue the case 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,” said Remulla.