Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla on Monday confirmed that he met with staff of the International Criminal Court (ICC), following allegations from 18 supposed former soldiers that investigators had held meetings at his Makati residence when he was still serving as justice secretary.
“Sinabi ko nakausap ko. Ano ngayon?” Remulla told reporters.
He clarified that the meeting took place in 2025 and insisted it happened after former President Rodrigo Duterte had already been brought to The Hague.
“Tapos na ata ‘yung pangyayari nun, nung kinakausap namin, 2025 ‘yun nung kinausap namin. After March. Wala pang isang taon yun, sigurado ako,” he added.
The allegation stemmed from a joint affidavit submitted by lawyer Levi Baligod and 18 individuals to the Office of the Ombudsman. The affidavit claimed that discussions regarding the ICC’s probe into Duterte’s war on drugs were conducted at Remulla’s residence.
However, the Philippine Navy disputed the credibility of some of the individuals involved, stating that four of them never served in the Marines while several others had been dishonorably discharged.
Remulla emphasized the importance of safeguarding the individuals while thoroughly scrutinizing their allegations.
“Kailangan protektahan natin ang ating mga testigo pero ang mas mahalaga diyan yung allegations na ginawa nila na iba. Kasi kung 18 sila na nandoon na magkakasama ng dalawang taon na walang patid, na lahat ng pangyayari nakita nila, yun ang ating gustong malaman,” he said.
He also disclosed plans to obtain the separate affidavits of each complainant to further examine the claims.