The International Criminal Court has cleared the way for an investigation into possible crimes against humanity during the Philippines "war on drugs."

The ruling comes after the ICC appeals chamber on Tuesday dismissed an appeal by the Philippine government against the investigation, with a majority in favor.

In 2021, a pre-trial chamber of the ICC gave authorization to the ICC Office of the Prosecutor to launch the investigation into the violent drug crackdown led by former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The campaign, which effectively empowered police to kill suspects, resulted in the deaths of at least over 6,000 people, a figure confirmed by the government.

The ICC investigation was suspended later in 2021 at the request of the Philippine government, which said it was conducting its own investigations.

But the court authorized the investigation to resume this year, in dissatisfaction over the progress in Manila's investigations. The Philippine government appealed that decision in an attempt to block any further investigation.

The Philippine government is unlikely to cooperate with the investigation by the ICC.

Philippine Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a statement that he was disappointed with the ICC's decision. He criticized the court for interfering with the sovereignty of the Philippines.