AMIDST swirling speculation of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for former President Rodrigo Duterte, Malacañang on Sunday affirmed its preparedness. Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Ad Interim Secretary Jay Ruiz stated,
“We’ve heard that an arrest warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court against former President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity. The government is prepared for any eventuality.”
However, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro clarified that the Palace hasn’t officially confirmed the warrant’s issuance. She emphasized that should Interpol request assistance, the government would comply, echoing previous statements by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Justice Secretary [name withheld].
Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, are currently in Hong Kong attending an OFW thanksgiving event. Former presidential chief legal counsel Salvador Panelo dismissed reports of Duterte attempting to evade arrest as “fake news,” stating their presence in Hong Kong is to thank OFWs for their continued support. He added that they will return to Manila “very soon.”
Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, a known Duterte critic, declined to comment.
The ICC’s investigation into Duterte and his administration stems from allegations of crimes against humanity related to the drug war. Police records indicate approximately 6,000 deaths, while human rights groups estimate the number to be as high as 30,000, including vigilante killings.
The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019 following the ICC’s initiation of a probe.
However, the Department of Justice (DOJ) expressed openness to engaging with the ICC in January. Executive Secretary Bersamin reiterated the Philippines’ unchanged stance on its withdrawal but confirmed a response would be given if the ICC’s requests are channeled through Interpol.
In October 2024, Duterte declared he would take “full, legal responsibility” for the drug war, while maintaining he wouldn’t apologize.
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