PH to cooperate with Interpol on possible ICC warrant over drug war probe - Bersamin
Metro Manila, Philippines — The Philippines is prepared to honor its commitment to the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) if a Red Notice is issued for former President Rodrigo Duterte, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity during his administration’s anti-drug campaign, which led to thousands of deaths.
Duterte challenged the court during his testimony at the House to expedite its investigation: “I am asking the ICC to hurry up and, if possible, come here and start the investigation tomorrow.” This remark flipped his earlier position against ICC intervention in local affairs and as architect of the country’s exit from the Rome Statute which created the ICC.
Bersamin explained the process in Interpol, of which the Philippines is a member.
"If the ICC refers the process to Interpol, which may then transmit a Red Notice to Philippine authorities, the government will feel obliged to consider the notice as a request to be honored," he said. "Domestic law enforcement agencies shall be bound to accord full cooperation to Interpol pursuant to established protocols."
He added that the administration would not intervene if Duterte chooses to participate in the ICC investigation, noting its position on non-interference.
"If the former president desires to surrender himself to the jurisdiction of the ICC, the government will neither object to it nor move to block the fulfillment of his desire," Bersamin remarked.
Senate President Chiz Escudero posed a question on Duterte’s remark. He said, “Paano uli i-o-operationalize ni Pangulong Duterte na madaliin yung ICC e siya ang umalis doon?”
[Translation: How can President Duterte operationalize his challenge for ICC to investigate him if he exited from it in the first place?]
NewsWatch Plus senior correspondent Eimor Santos contributed to this report
