In response to the International Criminal Court's (ICC) recent naming of alleged co-perpetrators in former President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war case, the Philippine government says it is prepared to coordinate with Interpol on any arrest warrants, following the precedent set in Duterte's transfer to The Hague last year. Malacañang emphasizes adherence to Philippine law, while ruling out discussions on rejoining the ICC.
Palace press officer Claire Castro stated during a briefing that the Philippines would handle any ICC warrants as it did with Duterte, coordinating with Interpol under domestic laws. "It happened before and that’s what will happen now," she said. No warrants have been received, so no immediate action is needed.
This comes after the ICC Prosecutor last week identified Senators Bong Go and Ronald dela Rosa, among other former officials, as sharing a common plan in the drug war linked to over 6,000 deaths. The Philippines ratified the Rome Statute in 2011 but withdrew in 2018 amid the ICC's investigation probe. While President Marcos expressed openness to rejoining talks in June, Castro confirmed no current discussions.
Castro urged those named to "face with courage the process" if innocent. Opinions differ on enforcement: the Department of Justice supports compliance, but former executive secretary Lucas Bersamin and Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson argue a local court order is required for extradition.
The allegations include specific incidents like the 2016 killings of former Albuera mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. and drug suspect Raul Yap, and the 2017 Ozamiz raid deaths led by former mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. Duterte remains detained in The Hague ahead of his February 23 confirmation of charges hearing.
