ICC mum on Duterte arrest warrant reports, investigation ongoing

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) refused to comment on the reported issuance of an arrest warrant against former President Rodrigo Duterte.

"We are not commenting on reports. ICC announcements come from our official channels, and the Court has not issued any press release about this matter," the ICC said in a statement sent to NewsWatch Plus on Monday, March 10.

It said an investigation into the alleged crimes against humanity in the Philippines is ongoing and that confidentiality is essential in the process.

"Confidentiality is a crucial part of this work and is essential to protect the integrity of investigations and to ensure the safety and security of victims and witnesses," the ICC stated.

In an interview on The NewsMaker, ICC Assistant to Counsel Kristina Conti said the issuance of an arrest warrant against Duterte has long been anticipated.

"Ang premium namin ay ma-execute ang warrant of arrest at hindi lang basta ma-announce kaya naiintindihan namin yung confidentiality and secrecy sa request for issuance of the warrants ay posibleng magkaroon ng epekto sa enforcement ng warrant kung mahuhuli ba o hindi," said Conti.

[Translation: Our priority is for the arrest warrant to be executed, not just announced. That is why we understand the need for confidentiality and secrecy in requesting the issuance of warrants, as this could impact whether the warrant will be enforced or not.]

Conti also explained what could happen in the event the ICC issues an arrest warrant against Duterte.

"So, sino unang makakaalam [who will be the first to know]? Of course, the prosecutor, because the prosecutor requests the warrant of arrest, and the judges will issue the arrest warrant. The court will then forward its warrant to its member states, and after that, they will furnish the countries where the accused is currently at," Conti said.