ICC lauds PH cooperation on Duterte arrest; PH rejoining possible

Metro Manila, Philippines – The International Criminal Court (ICC) has commended the Philippines for upholding international obligations by serving the arrest warrant on former President Rodrigo Duterte.

In an exclusive interview on The Newsmaker on NewsWatch Plus, ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah said the Philippine cooperation underscores Manila’s commitment to international accountability mechanisms.

“We are grateful for the cooperation of the Philippine authorities, and we think this shows their commitment to international accountability mechanisms. This is important,” El Abdallah said.

Despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute—the treaty that established the ICC - El Abdallah said the court retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a state party.

“For us, the legal framework is clear. While the Philippines has withdrawn from the ICC Rome Statute, the court retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed during the period when the country was still a member. This framework gives the ICC the authority to continue its investigation and prosecution,” he said.

Duterte reportedly “surrendered” to ICC custody following an arrest warrant issued by Pre-Trial Chamber I for charges of murder as a crime against humanity. He could become the first Asian leader to stand trial at the ICC.

The court investigation focuses on Duterte’s alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings linked to the so-called Davao Death Squad, which operated during his tenure as Davao City mayor and continued in the early years of his presidency.

Human rights organizations estimate that around 30,000 people were killed in Duterte’s war on drugs.

Rejoining Rome Statute

The ICC reiterated its call for countries, including the Philippines, to become parties to the Rome Statute.

“We call on all states, including the Philippines, to join the ICC Rome Statute. It’s important for international criminal law, for peace around the world, and for the future,” El Abdallah said.

He acknowledged that the decision to rejoin remains a sovereign choice for the Philippines.

“Of course, the Philippines has withdrawn from the Rome Statute, but it can rejoin through the ratification process. This is a sovereign decision that we fully respect,” he added.