Press Office of Malacañang Speaks on Palace’s Side
MALACAÑANG – Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro spoke on the rumored arrest warrant of the International Criminal Court (ICC) against former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
Over the week, rumors that the International Criminal Court has allegedly issued an arrest warrant against former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte circulated and gained different reactions. The ICC is one of the entities that investigated the war on drugs of the previous administration.
The rumor has reached the former President. Previously, Duterte invited the ICC to come to the Philippines and investigate him. His statement which was a surprise to many people was made during his appearance at the House Quad Committee hearing.
The former President even said that the ICC must hurry up as he might die without them having investigated him. According to him, he is not impressed by the capabilities of the white races in investigating. He stressed that the ICC has allegedly not imprisoned anyone.
Recently, amid the circulation of the rumors that the ICC has issued an arrest warrant against former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Malacañang revealed its side. Based on a report on PhilStar, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Jay Ruiz said that the government is “prepared”.
“We’ve heard that an arrest warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court against former president Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity. The government is prepared for any eventuality,” Ruiz said.
According to Malacañang press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, there was no confirmation yet from the Palace about the rumored arrest warrant but the government is “obliged to follow” in case the Interpol asks for “necessary assistance”.
Based on the report, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said that no notice of the said kind from ICC was sent to his office. He stressed that the official point of entry for such notice is the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Recently, former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte also reacted to the rumored arrest warrant against him from ICC.