‘Duterte’s age won’t stop ICC from issuing arrest warrant’

MANILA, Philippines — Although there may be some humanitarian considerations, former president Rodrigo Duterte’s age will not preclude the International Criminal Court (ICC) from issuing an arrest warrant against him, a lawyer representing the drug war victims said.

“Age is not a basis to go lightly on someone… Even if you are already old, you will still have to face the court,” ICC Assistant to Counsel Kristina Conti said in Filipino in an interview with “Storycon” on One News on Thursday.

“The humanitarian consideration would be in the handling of the prisoner. Maybe he will not be handcuffed, he will be given comfortable seats, those kinds of consideration. But age does not excuse you from any accountability,” she added.

Reports are currently circulating that an arrest warrant may soon be issued against Duterte, 79, over the alleged crimes against humanity committed in his administration’s campaign against illegal drugs.

Conti said the issuance of the arrest warrant is often confidential in nature, with recent arrests only announced after the individual was already brought to The Hague in the Netherlands, where the international tribunal is located.

On the matter of implementing the possible arrest warrants, she underscored the importance of political will from authorities, such as President Marcos and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil.

Two of the five who were recently tagged by the ICC prosecutor as suspects are still active members of the police force, namely PNP Northern Luzon Command chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. and PNP Drug Enforcement Group chief Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta.

The other three are Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, former PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde and National Police Commission Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo.

Conti also challenged Dela Rosa, who called on his colleagues to pass a bill that will prohibit cooperation with the ICC, to acknowledge human rights violations committed in the drug war and agree to an investigation of the killings.

“It’s difficult to look at it from a simple legislative point of view. When you create a law, it should be for the good of everyone. However, the objective of this proposal is for his protection,” she said in Filipino.

“That is too selfish of a reason to pursue this kind of bill. That is just a waste of what is being paid to him as a legislator,” she added.

Duterte insists that he will not heed any arrest warrant from the ICC as it has no jurisdiction over the country since cutting off ties with them five years ago. – Edith Regalado