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ICC case vs Duterte getting support, says Matobato lawyer

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<figure class="op-interactive"><div style="padding-top:66.375%"><div id="IVS_ABS_Body_Video_1_Container"> <ivs-player id="IVS_ABS_Body_Video_1" data-ivs-spid="3001339" data-ivs-key="e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603" data-ivs-vid="1455848" data-ivs-floating="1"></ivs-player> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/iframe-parent.js"></script> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js"></script> </div></div></figure><p>MANILA - The lawyer of self-confessed hitman Edgar Matobato is heading to The Netherlands to file a case against President Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC), and he insists that the trip is funded only by supporters, not politicians.</p><p>Atty. Jude Sabio is already <a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/10/17/abugado-ni-matobato-inihahanda-na-ang-kaso-laban-kay-duterte-sa-icc">preparing the cases of “crimes</a> against humanity” against the President which he plans to submit before the international tribunal by the this month&#x27;s end or the early part of April. </p><p>It is a charge that a presidential aide has dismissed as &quot;propaganda.&quot;</p><p>The ICC has jurisdiction over 124 countries and <a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/25/16/an-up-close-look-into-international-criminal-court">can prosecute individuals</a>, not countries, that may have committed crimes against humanity, genocide, and war crimes. Enforced through the Rome Statute in 2002, the Philippines was one of its first signatories in Asia.</p><ul class="op-related-articles" title="Read:">	<li><strong>Read: </strong> <a href="  http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/10/17/no-basis-to-charge-duterte-before-international-court-says-panelo"> No basis to charge Duterte before international court, says Panelo </a></li></ul><p>In an interview with ANC&#x27;s Headstart on Tuesday, Sabio said their camp is receiving support from many different people, including those who contribute monetary help.</p><p>&quot;You will be amazed that so many individuals believe in Matobato, in the same way that many individuals support President Duterte. It’s their right to help, contribute,&quot; he said.</p><p>&quot;As of now, there are even people abroad who are willing to assist and support me when I go to The Hague, and are willing to give me moral support in the International [Criminal] Court,&quot; he added.</p><p>Asked if there are politicians who are pitching in the fund, Sabio said &quot;no politicians as of now.&quot;</p><p>Sabio said Senator Antonio Trillanes, who presented Matobato in a Senate inquiry last year and facilitated the public confession of retired Davao cop Arturo Lascañas last month, &quot;is only giving security to Matobato.&quot;</p><p>Matobato previously linked Duterte to the alleged Davao Death Squad, saying the long-time local executive is responsible for alleged extrajudicial killings in Davao City.</p><p>According to Sabio, Matobato is currently staying in a &quot;sanctuary&quot; of a religious group.</p>

<p>MANILA - The lawyer of self-confessed hitman Edgar Matobato is heading to The Netherlands to file a case against President Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC), and he insists that the trip is funded only by supporters, not politicians.</p>

MANILA - The lawyer of self-confessed hitman Edgar Matobato is heading to The Netherlands to file a case against President Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC), and he insists that the trip is funded only by supporters, not politicians.