Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Thursday his government would not block the International Criminal Court (ICC) if former leader Rodrigo Duterte wants to be investigated for alleged crimes against humanity in his anti-drugs crackdown.

The government will not stop Duterte from surrendering himself or cooperating with the ICC— but neither will the government help him.

The Philippine government said Wednesday its law enforcement agencies will be bound to cooperate if the International Criminal Court seeks the custody of former President Rodrigo Duterte as part of an investigation into thousands of deaths during his crackdown on illegal drugs.

Outgoing Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte speaks to his successor Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. after the departure honors for Duterte at the Malacañang Palace in Manila on June 30, 2022. Arman Baylon, Presidential Photo/File MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.