Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the government has yet to discuss or prepare for the possibility of new arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court (ICC), despite growing speculation.
“Wala pa. Hindi pa namin pinag-uusapan yan,” Remulla said, reacting to former senator Antonio Trillanes IV’s recent comments.
Trillanes, who visited The Hague, claimed in a televised interview that the ICC may issue warrants early next year against Senators Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and Christopher “Bong” Go.
Both senators were closely linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial war on drugs—Dela Rosa as the first chief of the Philippine National Police under Duterte, and Go as his longtime aide.
Dela Rosa has said he is prepared to face the ICC, while Go has denied any involvement in the drug campaign.
Duterte himself was arrested on March 11 following an ICC warrant for alleged crimes against humanity. He is currently detained in The Hague.
Asked whether any formal communication has been received regarding new warrants, Remulla said, “Until we see an arrest warrant, then there’s none.”
ICC arrest orders are typically coursed through Interpol and require enforcement by national authorities.
Several cases involving the arrest of Duterte and his turnover to the ICC in The Hague have been filed before the Philippine Supreme Court and are still pending resolution. (Jeffrey Damicog)
