18/03/2025
PH govt consulted on Duterte's arrest
DOCUMENTS from the International Criminal Court revealed that the government knew beforehand about former president Rodrigo Duterte's impending arrest.
Government officials have denied that they had prior knowledge of the arrest warrant.
The documents detail prior consultations between Philippine authorities and international agencies, indicating that the government had not only been informed of the arrest request but had also agreed to comply with it.
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Duterte was arrested last Tuesday shortly after arriving from Hong Kong and flown just hours later to the International Criminal Court (ICC) headquarters in The Hague, where he faces a trial for alleged complicity to crimes against humanity linked to the war on drugs during his presidency.
Official communications confirm that Philippine authorities were consulted in advance about the request.
The ICC Diffusion request for Duterte's arrest was transmitted to the Philippine government before any public announcement was made.
"The Diffusion is transmitted after prior consultations with the Government of the Philippines, who have agreed to comply with this request for arrest," the document read.
The Diffusion request was not officially verified by Interpol's General Secretariat to determine if it complies with all of the organization's rules and legal frameworks.
Unlike a Red Notice, which goes through a formal review by the General Secretariat, a Diffusion is directly sent to member countries through Interpol's communication channels without prior vetting.
The distinction raises concerns about the due process followed in Duterte's case.
The Interpol Notices and Diffusions Task Force (NDTF) is responsible for reviewing the legality and compliance of notices and Diffusions. If concerns arise, Interpol members may refer it to the NDTF for further examination.
In Duterte's case, since the Diffusion is active, authorities have been called to act on it, yet the lack of formal review leaves room for potential legal challenges.
Duterte's legal team could argue that the request is politically motivated and does not meet Interpol's constitutional safeguards against politically driven cases.
The revelation of the government's prior knowledge and agreement to Duterte's arrest raises bigger concerns regarding transparency and its position on the ICC's investigation.
Duterte has been charged under Article 7(1)(a) of the Rome Statute for orchestrating extrajudicial killings linked to his "drug war" from 2011 to 2019.
High-ranking officials had consistently denied they knew in advance about the ICC warrant.
Legal experts and human rights advocates have criticized the government's contradictory statements, arguing that misleading denials further undermine its credibility in the ICC probe and cast doubt on its commitment to international legal obligations.
"These documents confirm that the government's public denials were false. Philippine authorities were aware of the arrest plans and coordinated with the ICC," a legal analyst told The Manila Times.
On Sunday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it would assist the Interpol in serving arrest warrants for Duterte's co-accused.
"We know that aside from the former president, other people are also being investigated, and since someone has already been arrested, we more or less already have a template," PNP spokesman BGen. Jean Fajardo said.
"In case warrants cropped up and the Interpol asked for assistance, the PNP is very much willing to provide assistance in its implementation in accordance with existing law," Fajardo said.
She said the government provided the necessary assistance to Duterte, including medical services, after he was brought to The Hague.
Fajardo also dispelled reports on social media that several police officers have resigned in support of Duterte.
"These are all fake news; that's why we always appeal to everybody to be discerning and vigilant, and not to believe anything they see on social media," she said.
By Franco Jose C. Baroña
March 17, 2025
DOCUMENTS from the International Criminal Court revealed that the government knew beforehand about former president Rodrigo Duterte's impending arrest.
