Malacañang says it's 'prepared' amid rumors of ICC arrest warrant for Rodrigo Duterte
Malacañang said that it is "prepared" amid rumors that the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant against former president Rodrigo Duterte.
"We've heard that an arrest warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court against former president Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity," Presidential Communications Office Ad Interim Secretary Jay Ruiz told reporters, including The Philippine STAR, on March 9.
"The government is prepared for any eventuality," he added.
In a separate statement, PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro clarified that there's no confirmation yet on the issuance of an arrest warrant from the Palace.
"But as what [Executive Secretary Lucas] Bersamin and [Secretary of Justice] said before, if Interpol will ask the necessary assistance from the government, it will provide," she said.
Duterte and his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte are in Hong Kong for a thanksgiving event with OFWs.
Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019 after the Hague-based tribunal started probing allegations of human rights abuses committed in his war on drugs.
A formal inquiry was launched in September 2021, only to be suspended two months later after Manila said it was re-examining several hundred cases of drug operations that led to deaths at the hands of police, hitmen, and vigilantes.
In November 2024, Duterte dared the ICC to hurry up its probe during a House of Representatives quad committee hearing.
"And if possible, they can come here and start the investigation tomorrow. This issue has been left hanging for so many years. Matagal ma’am, baka mamatay na ako ‘di na nila ako ma-imbestiga,” the 79-year-old politician said.
“I’m asking the ICC through you, magpunta na sila dito bukas, umpisahan na nila ang investigation, and if I’m found guilty, I will go to prison and rot there for all time,” he added.
He also said that the ICC "does not scare" him a bit.
Meanwhile, Malacañang said in the same month that the Philippines will work with Interpol if it issues a red notice for Duterte. A red notice is a request "to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action."