Amid the talks on the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) alleged arrest warrant against former President Rodrigo Duterte, Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua said the government has a “diplomatic obligation” to cooperate with the International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol.
In a press conference on Monday, March 10, Chua pointed out the government also sought the help of Interpol in Alice Guo’s arrest.
“Mayroon tayong diplomatic obligation dyan. In fact ginamit nga natin yung Interpol nung hinanap natin si Alice Guo kung ma-rerecall po ninyo. Humingi po tayo ng tulong sa kanila, [kaya] bound po tayo dyan,” he said.
Chua explained how the country remains a member of the Interpol despite not being part of the ICC. He also added that the nation is obligated to follow international protocols. Moreover, he said the government may assist the Interpol, but the arrest warrant will be given to the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“Sa atin kasi parang assistance lang yung sa atin kung hindi po ako magkakamali dahil malamang yung arrest warrant ibibigay po ‘yan sa DOJ or sa PNP,” he said.
“Dahil yung pulis ay hawak po ng DILG [Department of Interior and Local Government], malamang DILG tsaka DOJ. sa DOJ naman po kasi yung NBI [National Bureau of Investigation]. So tingin ko po yang dalawang ang talagang mangunguna po dito,” he added.
“Kung saka-sakali. Kasi as we speak, rumors pa rin po ito. Puro mga hearsay pa lang po ito, wala [pa] naman po itong confirmation,” he cotinued.
When asked if the arrest warrant should be carried out immediately, the lawmaker said it is up to the international community, but believes that it should be carried out.
“Tingin ko, although walang nakalagay dyan na forthwith. Pero sa tingin ko dapat ay ipatupad to kung talagang meron dahil ang nangunguna po dito is yung international community na eh, the International Criminal Court (ICC),” he said.
“Tayo naman ay assistance lang,” he explained.
Legal Maneuverings
Despite the looming possibility of former President Duterte’s arrest, the lawmaker explained that he sees “legal maneuverings” from the other party being carried out.
“Titingnan natin. Kasi ngayon nga pong walang ICC marami na pong fina-file na kung ano-ano yung kabila na sa aming paniniwala ay mga legal maneuverings. Kung magkakaroon ng ganito, I’m sure gagawa nanaman sila ng another legal maneuverings,” he said. “Hintayin na lang natin. Bukas siguro baka maging topic din namin kung ano yung mga possible na mangyayari because of these rumors kung saka-sakali,” he added.
The report by RH 12 Milky Rigonan stated that Vice President Sara Duterte is also part of the ICC’s investigation, citing her as a secondary respondent to the war on drugs campaign of the Duterte administration during her tenure as Mayor of Davao City.
