Malacañang on Monday urged individuals identified as co-perpetrators in the case filed before the International Criminal Court against former President Rody Duterte to face the allegations and not evade possible arrest warrants.
Palace press officer Claire Castro said those named in the ICC documents should submit themselves to legal processes if they believe they are innocent.
“Why will they evade the arrest warrant in the first place? Are they hiding something or do they want to evade responsibility for what they had done in the past?” Castro said during a briefing. “They do not need to go into hiding if they know they are innocent. They should face the matter and be courageous in going through the necessary processes.”
Castro noted that if warrants are formally received, these may be enforced through the International Criminal Police Organization, similar to previous instances involving ICC actions. She emphasized that authorities would only be carrying out official duties in implementing valid warrants.
In documents released by the ICC Office of the Prosecutor, several individuals, including senators, were identified in connection with alleged crimes against humanity tied to the government’s anti-drug campaign. Prosecutors allege that Duterte and others shared a common plan to “neutralize” suspected criminals.
Malacañang also called on supporters not to create disorder amid developments in the case, stressing that if a case has sufficient basis, it should be heard to determine the truth. Castro said the proceedings would allow justice for both alleged victims and the accused.
The Palace maintained that while the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute, questions of jurisdiction depend on when the alleged crimes were committed. Castro also cited Republic Act No. 9851, which provides for cooperation with international tribunals, and reiterated the country’s obligations with Interpol.
In the Senate, reactions were mixed. Senator Risa Hontiveros described the issue as potentially difficult for the chamber, while Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson said enforcement of ICC warrants should observe domestic legal processes and may ultimately require interpretation by the Supreme Court.
