Malacañang disclosed on Monday that it has not received a physical copy of the arrest warrant reportedly issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed that no official communication has been received regarding the red notice or the alleged arrest warrant issued against Duterte.
The arrest warrant in question pertains to alleged crimes against humanity connected to the war on drugs launched during the Duterte administration.
Additionally, Castro pointed out that the Department of Justice (DOJ) Asec. Mico Clavano confirmed that, as of now, no communication regarding the issue has been received.
"May lumabas na mga balita na mayroon nang na-issue na warrant of arrest pero as of now sabi nga natin, hindi po namin maico-confirm agad-agad kung wala pa po kaming physical copy ng warrant of arrest," said Castro.
Malacañang, walang natanggap na kopya ng sinasabing warrant of arrest na inisyu ng ICC laban kay dating Pang. Rodrigo Duterte | RH 14 @leth_narciso, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/YY4QGPIXiI
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) March 10, 2025
"Ang sabi po kasi ng DOJ, since hindi po tayo miyembro ngayon ng ICC, may mga options po kasi ang ICC kung papaano nila ito ipapaserve," she added.
She further mentioned that if the country were a member of the ICC, the arrest warrant could be forwarded through the Office of the President (OP), the DOJ, or the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Alternatively, the ICC could opt to have the arrest warrant served in the country where the individual is located.
The former president reportedly flew to Hong Kong to attend a thanksgiving event with Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), accompanied by his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, and senatorial candidates he is endorsing.
"Sa interpol po tayo makikipag-ugnayan, kung hihingiin po ng interpol ang tulong ng pamahalaan," said Castro.
Potential chaos if arrest warrant is served
Castro mentioned that the government will prevent any chaos that may arise when the arrest warrant is served on Duterte, stressing that actions taken will be in accordance with the law.
She then advised the public to respect the law, regardless of their political affiliations, and refrain from engaging in any unlawful actions.
"Tingnan na lamang po ninyo kung ang pagsisilbi, halimbawa po ha, magsisilbi ng warrant of arrest at lahat naman po ay ayon sa guidelines at ayon sa rules of law, huwag na lang po sanang maging matigas ang ulo ng ibang taumbayan para pigilan ito katulad noong nangyari sa panahon po ng pag-aresto kay Pastor Quiboloy," Castro reiterated.
