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Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla faces the media after the Senate hearing on the proposed P6.39-billion budget of the Office of the Ombudsman for 2026 at the Senate on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025.
The STAR / Jesse Bustos
MANILA, Philippines — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that he met with investigators from the International Criminal Court to discuss witness protection in the case against detained former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In an interview with reporters on Monday, March 2, Remulla said the ICC officials were introduced by former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and that the meeting focused on safeguarding Filipino witnesses.
"Kasi nga mayroon kaming usapan na ang testigo dapat protektahan," Remulla said. (Because we have an agreement that the witness should be protected.)
When asked when the meeting took place, Remulla said it occurred after Duterte's arrest in March 2025.
Allegations by former Marines
Remulla's admission followed allegations by lawyer Levi Baligod, counsel for 18 former Marines who claimed they had acted as bagmen for lawmakers.
Baligod accused Remulla of meeting ICC personnel despite what he described as a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. not to cooperate with the tribunal.
Asked whether he was allowed to meet ICC investigators, Remulla said: "Bakit hindi, ang nakasalalay dito ay buhay ng mga testigo." (Why not? What’s at stake here is the lives of the witnesses.)
He also urged the 18 former soldiers to submit individual affidavits to establish their personal knowledge.
Separate complaint filed
Baligod on February 26 filed the affidavit of the 18 former Marines before the Office of the Ombudsman for investigation.
Remulla had been justice secretary when Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025. Prosecutor General Anthony Fadullon read the arrest warrant at the time.
The ICC Office of the Prosecutor has said its activities are funded through the court's budget approved by the Assembly of States Parties and subject to oversight mechanisms.
