Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro said the government is prepared for any eventuality in relation to the reported warrant of arrest, the International Criminal Court (ICC) allegedly issued against former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Prior to this, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Chief Jay Ruiz issued a statement saying he heard a report that the ICC allegedly issued warrant of arrest against the former president for his alleged involvement in the crimes against humanity.
In an interview with Brigada News FM Manila, Castro said they have no official information yet as to whether or not a warrant of arrest from ICC has been issued against Duterte.
Castro reiterated the previous statement of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Solicitor General Jonvic Remulla saying the government is obliged to help the Interpol if they request for assistance in serving the warrant of arrest against the former president.
The press secretary also clarified that if ever there is a warrant of arrest against Duterte it is still the Philippine National Police (PNP) who will serve the warrant of arrest and not the Interpol.
“ Kapag ka humingi ng tulong ang Interpol, miyembro kasi tayo ng Interpol, the government will be obliged to follow. Hindi po ang Interpol ang manghuhuli if ever o mang aaresto, makikipagcoordinate po talaga ang Interpol sa kapulisan at tayo po ang mag iimplement nyan,” Castro said.
While reports of the alleged ICC arrest warrant made headlines, the former president was in Hong Kong campaigning for his senatorial bets.
The former president stated that he was prepared for arrest but maintained that his actions during his presidency were for the benefit of the Filipino people, not his own.
(RTVM photo)
Abner is an award-winning journalist. He received the prestigious 2015 Titus Brandsma Award for Community Communication in the Philippines and participated in the 2016 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the United States of America, sponsored by the US Embassy in the Philippines. Founder of WATCH NORTH COTABATO, a media-citizens’ transparency group. He worked as a correspondent for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and CNN Philippines. His experience in broadcasting includes anchoring for Brigada News FM in Kidapawan and General Santos City and Brigada News TV. He anchors Tira Brigada via 105.1 Brigada News FM Manila, Mondays-Saturdays.