PNP: No verifiable info on ICC arrest warrant vs Duterte

The Philippine National Police has no verifiable information that the International Criminal Court has reportedly issued an arrest warrant for former President Duterte, who is being investigated for alleged crimes against humanity in connection with his administrations’ bloody drug war. SCREENGRAB FROMSMNI CHANNEL VIDEO

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippine National Police (PNP) has no verifiable information that the International Criminal Court (ICC) had reportedly issued an arrest warrant for former President Rodrigo Duterte, according to its spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo.

Based on reports, Duterte allegedly left the Philippines for Hong Kong last March 7. It was also reported that the information that the ICC was set to issue an arrest warrant for Duterte on Saturday morning, March 8, was allegedly leaked to the former chief executive’s camp.

Duterte is being investigated by the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity in connection with his administration’s bloody war on drugs.

“Sa ngayon wala pa po tayong hawak verifiable info as to the reported warrant of arrest issued by the ICC,” Fajardo said in press briefing on Monday.

(As of now, we don’t have verifiable information as to the reported warrant of arrest issued by the ICC.)

She added that the police force is “prepared for any eventualities” in case the ICC asked the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) for assistance regarding implementing the arrest warrant against Duterte.

But Fajardo said Interpol has not yet contacted the PNP.

READ: Palace on Duterte’s arrest warrant from ICC: Marcos gov’t ready

She likewise refuted a report that the PNP is preparing 7,000 personnel for the arrest of Duterte following a supposed issuance of a red notice by Interpol.

“There is no truth to that,” Fajardo said.

Earlier, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz said the Marcos government “is prepared for any eventuality.”

On the other hand, PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro said the PCO had not received any confirmation from the Palace regarding the reported issuance of an arrest warrant for Duterte.

INQUIRER.net also reached out to Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, but he earlier said they “have not received any such notice from the ICC.”