Former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said he will not go into hiding and will face any legal action if the International Criminal Court issues a warrant for his arrest.
Aguirre made the statement after the ICC released a more complete version of its document containing charges related to killings linked to the Philippines’ anti-drug campaign. The document named him as one of the alleged co-perpetrators of former President Rodrigo Duterte in connection with the deaths.
He said he is prepared to address the accusations through legal channels and may seek relief from Philippine courts if an arrest warrant is issued against him by the ICC.
Aguirre said he believes proceedings against him before the international tribunal may not be consistent with Philippine law and that local courts could be asked to intervene.
He also expressed hope that the Supreme Court would issue clarification on the proper process should the ICC release a new warrant in connection with the case.
The former justice secretary added that he is not from Davao City and denied involvement in incidents included in the ICC case from the period when Duterte was still mayor of the city.
The ICC has been investigating alleged killings tied to the anti-drug campaign during Duterte’s time as president and earlier period as Davao mayor. Authorities and individuals named in the case have issued varying responses to the allegations as legal developments continue.
Aguirre said he would respond through legal means if formal action is taken against him.
