Enraged Senator Challenges Former Senator to Serve ICC Arrest Warrant
Senator Ronald de la Rosa has challenged former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV to join in serving the warrant for his and former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest, which is expected to be issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Speaking at a press conference, de la Rosa took a dig at Trillanes’ announcement that a warrant of arrest would be released in June or July. “Trillanes keeps on talking about the ICC… come on… make my day!” he said. De la Rosa further stated that when the warrant of arrest is issued, Trillanes should join in serving it and “handcuff me” himself.
Expectations of Warrant Issuance Against Former President Duterte
Earlier in the day, Trillanes stated that he expects a warrant of arrest to be issued against former President Duterte and others by June. This is in connection with the ICC’s investigation into the supposed extrajudicial killings that occurred during Duterte’s war on drugs. Trillanes revealed that the information came from individuals who are “privy to the investigations being done by the office of the prosecutor of the ICC.” He also mentioned that the arrest warrants may be issued in batches, with Duterte being the first batch, followed by Senator Bong Go, Senator Bato (de la Rosa), Vice President Sara Duterte, and other senior officials of the Duterte administration in subsequent batches.
Government’s Stance on ICC Arrest Warrants
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has made it clear that his government will not serve any arrest warrant from the ICC for former President Duterte. Marcos also expressed his disregard for the ICC’s jurisdiction in the Philippines, considering it a threat to Philippine sovereignty. However, Trillanes believes that the ICC may seek assistance from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to enforce the arrest warrant.
When asked about the possibility of Marcos changing his stance and allowing the ICC to intervene in the country’s internal affairs, particularly in light of the Senate investigation into leaked reports about the President’s alleged drug use, de la Rosa stated that he leaves his fate to God. However, he emphasized that he could not remain silent on the report based on the alleged leak of confidential information from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
De la Rosa described himself as a “stabilizer” and asserted that his actions do not contribute to destabilization, unlike Trillanes. He also denied being asked by former President Duterte to investigate the suspected PDEA report.
Source: The Manila Times
