Metro Manila, Philippines – A possible arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) should not come as a surprise as former President Rodrigo Duterte had previously dared to bring it on him.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro, in a press briefing, recalled Duterte’s statements during a past House quad-committee hearing on extrajudicial killings related to the drug war.
“Sinabi niya sa QuadCom hearing na handa siyang harapin ang ICC. Pinamamadali nga niya yung ICC e sabi niya hurry up. At ang sinabi pa niya, tomorrow bukas na bukas din kung gusto Ninyo mag-imbestiga and if you will put me in prison, I will rather rot in jail,” Castro said.
[TRANSLATION: He said during the QuadCom hearing that he was ready to face the ICC. He even urged the court to “hurry up.” He said, “Tomorrow, if you want to investigate me, go ahead. If you put me in prison, I will rather rot in jail.”]
She added that Duterte’s supporters should stay calm as the former president had openly invited an arrest.
Castro said Duterte had justified his drug war tactics to resolve problems quickly.
“Ngayon patungkol naman doon sa sinasabi niyang wala siyang kasalanan, marami na po tayong narinig. Siya mismo po ang umamin sa hearing sa QuadCom, at saka sa Senado. Marami siyang inamin,” Castro highlighted.
[TRANSLATION: Now, regarding his claim that he has no faults – we have heard so much already. He admitted to many things during the QuadCom hearing and in the Senate.]
Malacañang said there is no communication regarding an ICC warrant or an Interpol Red Notice.
Castro said that if such a warrant exists, it should be transmitted ti the Office of the President, the Department of Justice, or the Department of Foreign Affairs.
