‘Marcos can order PNP to implement Duterte arrest’

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos could order the Philippine National Police (PNP) to implement the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against former president Rodrigo Duterte, a counsel of the victims of the war on drugs said yesterday.

In a radio interview, ICC assistant to counsel Kristina Conti maintained that as commander-in-chief, Marcos has jurisdiction over the PNP.

“It is not impossible for the PNP to arrest president Duterte and whoever will be included in the warrant if they will be ordered by the government, the head of the Philippines, which is also the head of PNP,” Conti said, referring to Marcos.?

Conti was reacting to the statement of PNP public information officer Col. Jean Fajardo that the police will not implement any warrant of arrest coming from the ICC.

“The member-states of the ICC, the 123 states, will implement the arrest warrant. Even the PNP is not absolutely compelled (but) the Philippines has standing agreement with other countries, with Interpol where the arrest warrant will be coursed. It is called an international warrant of arrest,” she explained.

Duterte’s former spokesman Harry Roque said the ex-president has information that he could be ordered arrested by the ICC at any time.

“The PNP can be directed to enforce the warrant. Of course, we could understand that the PNP was part of the war on drugs, why would they do that. So, you never know, the earth is round,” Conti said, adding that it is important for Marcos to show that he acknowledges international rulings.

“I think in the international front, (Marcos) needs to show that the Philippines complies with international rulings just like when we filed a case before the arbitration court involving the West Philippine Sea. We won and our position is for China to respect the decision. Now that there is an ICC (ruling), we were part of it… We cannot only choose decisions that are favorable to us,” Conti also said.?

She noted that countries joined the ICC to ensure international order. “If the Philippines will not comply, they would think that it is not worth transacting with ICC.” ?

Fajardo said the PNP has not received any information about a warrant of arrest issued by the ICC, adding that the foreign affairs and justice departments have not coordinated with the PNP about it.

Meanwhile, Caritas Philippines, the Catholic Church’s social arm, urged the Marcos administration yesterday to fully cooperate with the ICC probe into the drug war of the previous administration.

In a statement, CBCP president Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo said government officials, including the military, should help in upholding the rule of law.

“We urge the government, the Senate, the House of Representatives and the Philippine military to welcome the ICC and extend their full cooperation. This is not a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of our commitment to the rule of law and the Filipino people’s right to the truth,” Bagaforo said.

Caritas Philippines said it remains steadfast in supporting the ICC’s investigation, believing it to be a critical step toward healing the wounds of the past and building a future where human rights are respected and protected.

The organization also encouraged all Filipinos to stand with them in demanding justice and accountability.

“We stand with the victims and their families. The ICC investigation is not a witch hunt, but a crucial step towards ensuring justice and accountability for those responsible,” the prelate said.

Fr. Antonio Labiao Jr., Caritas Philippines executive director, said cooperating with the ICC is not about the past.

“It is about shaping a future where justice prevails and human dignity is valued,” he said.

He also challenged former president Rodrigo Duterte and his family, if they believe they are innocent of the accusations, to not stop the probe.

“If the Dutertes are truly confident in their innocence, they should have nothing to fear from the ICC. Why obstruct an investigation that seeks the truth? Why deny justice to the countless victims?” Labiao said.

The Church-based organization also agreed with human rights lawyer Tony La Viña, a speaker in the recent seminar held at Caritas Philippines Academy, who said, “If they say justice is primary in their administration, welcoming and cooperating with the ICC is the right and most patriotic thing to do.”

Local rights group Karapatan also urged the government to make Duterte accountable for the human rights violations committed during the implementation of controversial anti-drug campaign.

Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said the Marcos government could start giving justice to the victims of the campaign by cooperating with the ICC.

Palabay said steps to make Duterte and?his co-conspirators accountable for grave human rights violations, through?international or domestic mechanisms, are long overdue and that any effort?toward redress should be done immediately.?

“At any rate, the clock has started ticking for Rodrigo Duterte. We reiterate our call on the Philippine government to cooperate with the ICC by assisting the institution in conducting its investigation, in enforcing arrest warrants and in prosecuting Duterte and his cohorts,” Palabay said in a statement. –  Evelyn Macairan, Emmanuel Tupas