Manila, Philippines โ The Philippine government expressed its willingness to cooperate with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) if the International Criminal Court (ICC) seeks assistance in gaining jurisdiction over former President Rodrigo Duterte, Malacaรฑang announced on Friday.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin reiterated the Philippinesโ withdrawal from the ICC, effective since 2019, but emphasized the countryโs obligation to honor its membership terms with the Interpol.
โWe have withdrawn from the ICCโฆ But we have been very clear in our statements regarding this. If the ICC makes a move and courses the move through the Interpolโฆ we will respond favorably or positively to the Interpol request,โ Bersamin said in a media briefing.
Commitment to Interpol Obligations
Bersamin underscored the Philippinesโ reliance on Interpol for various law enforcement initiatives, emphasizing the principle of comity in international relations.
โ[Interpolโs] request should always be respected because Interpol is also doing us the service in other areas similar to this,โ he added.
The statement follows ongoing ICC investigations into alleged crimes against humanity during Duterteโs controversial anti-drug campaign. Government data reports that over 6,200 drug suspects died in anti-narcotics operations from June 2016 to November 2021.
Dialogue with the ICC
Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla also signaled the Philippinesโ openness to dialogue with the ICC to address areas of cooperation. In a recent interview with Reuters, Remulla described the forthcoming discussions as being held โin the spirit of comity.โ
Despite the willingness to engage, the government maintains its stance on the ICCโs lack of jurisdiction following the countryโs withdrawal.
Former President Duterte, under scrutiny for the bloody drug war launched during his administration, previously stated his readiness to face imprisonment. โI am willing to go to prison and rot there for all time,โ Duterte said.
Interpol’s Role and ICC Investigation
If the ICC requests Interpolโs intervention, a “red notice” could be issued against Duterte. A red notice facilitates the provisional arrest of individuals wanted by a member country or international tribunal, pending legal action. However, it does not equate to an international arrest warrant.
The ICC continues to gather evidence in its investigation into alleged human rights violations linked to the drug war, keeping the international spotlight on the Philippinesโ accountability in addressing the issue.
