PNP reiterates commitment to help Interpol implement ICC arrest orders

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reiterated its commitment to assist the International Criminal Organization (Interpol) after Senate President Francis Escudero allowed Sen. Ronald dela Rosa to take sanctuary in the Senate should the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues an arrest warrant for him.

In a press briefing on Monday, PNP Public Information Office chief Col. Randulf Tuaño echoed the pronouncements of spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo that the PNP is ready to help Interpol in implementing ICC’s arrest warrants for other people involved in the Duterte administration’s drug war.

READ: Rodrigo Duterte arrives in The Hague

“When it comes to the procedure of the arrest, if possible, let’s not discuss it. What’s important is to emphasize the Philippines’ commitment to serving the warrant if requested by Interpol,” he said in Filipino.

Earlier Monday, Escudero said it would be up to Dela Rosa whether he would seek shelter in the Senate, and he would not allow a lawmaker to be arrested on Senate grounds.

Dela Rosa was one of the national police chiefs during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Dela Rosa issued Command Memorandum Circular No. 16-2016 when he assumed power as PNP chief. The memo was the basis for Project Double Barrel which started Duterte’s war on drugs.

This role landed him on the roster of Duterte administration officials who were accused of crimes against humanity by drug war victims and their families before the ICC.

Based on reports, the war on drugs left at least 6,000 people dead; however, human rights groups reported that the number may have reached 20,000.

Last March 11, Duterte was served an arrest warrant from the ICC over crimes against humanity allegedly committed during his administration’s drug war.

Duterte is currently in The Hague, Netherlands, and attended his pre-trial hearing at the ICC via video call last March 14.