ICC authorizes full investigation into Duterte's deadly drugs war

• Campaigners say they hope the probe will mark the "beginning of the end to impunity" in a crackdown that rights groups say has killed dozens of children.

Details: The ICC said in a statement on Wednesday that after considering the evidence of at least 204 victims, there's "reasonable basis to proceed with an investigation, noting that specific legal element of the crime against humanity of murder" had been met.

• The Hague-based tribunal added that "the so-called 'war on drugs' campaign cannot be seen as a legitimate law enforcement operation, and the killings neither as legitimate nor as mere excesses in an otherwise legitimate operation."
• The evidence suggests that a "widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population took place pursuant to or in furtherance of a state policy," the ICC added.

The big picture: The ICC launched a preliminary inquiry in 2018 into Duterte and his war on drugs following allegations of crimes against humanity.

• Former ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda recommended a full investigation into the allegations just before stepping down last June.

What they're saying: Officials reiterated on Thursday that Duterte wouldn't cooperate because the Philippines was no longer a member of the ICC.

• Chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo told local media that the government "will not let in any ICC member to collect information and evidence here in the Philippines," per AFP.
• "They will be barred entry," Panelo added.