Despite the country no longer being a member state.
Amid rumblings of an arrest warrant being issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) verus former President Rodrigo Duterte, the executive department said that it is “prepared for any eventuality.”
That is according to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz, who said that he has heard of reports about the ICC issuing such order versus the former Philippine chief executive for alleged crimes against humanity.
Meanwhile, Usec. Claire Castro echoed the sentiments made by Ruiz, saying that the country will only be obliged to follow, should the Interpol request assistance from the government.
Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently in Hong Kong to meet overseas Filipino workers, shared his thoughts amid the speculated issuance of the ICC warrant.
“Assuming na totoo, totoo talaga ‘yung naririnig ninyo, bakit ko ginawa ‘yan? Para sa sarili ko? Para sa pamilya ko? Para sa inyo at ang inyong mga anak sa ating bayan,” the ex-President said.
He also did not mince his words, as he aired an expletive in response to the ICC, who he said has been after him “for a long time.”
Duterte is facing possible trial at the International Criminal Court over his controversial War on Drugs policy during his term, which saw thousands of deaths of alleged illegal drug pushers and other personalities related to them.