PNP Chief on ICC Arrest Warrants Enforcement
Newly appointed Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Nicolas Torre III firmly stated that the police will enforce International Criminal Court (ICC) warrants of arrest against drug war suspects, provided these requests “go through the proper channels.” This declaration came during a House quad-committee hearing on June 9.
General Torre emphasized the importance of following due process before executing any ICC-issued arrest warrants. He said, “It is imperative upon us to implement if it goes through the proper channels,” highlighting the police force’s readiness to act within legal frameworks.
Despite the government’s current stance of non-cooperation with the ICC, Torre acknowledged that international platforms like Interpol could facilitate the implementation of these warrants. “Kasi sa ngayon pareho pa rin ang stance ng ating gobyerno na wala tayong cooperation sa ICC,” he noted. However, he added, “Pero sila ay mayroon mga platforms na pwedeng magamit, may mga linya sila na pwedeng magamit gaya ng Interpol para ito ay maimplement.”
Utilizing International Platforms for Enforcement
Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organization based in France, serves as a vital channel in this process. Torre explained, “So if a request will be received by an organization like the Interpol to carry mandatory compliances na kailangan nating i-fulfill, then we will… para ma-fulfill itong mga… mandates or yung ating mga commitment sa mga organizations na ito.”
This approach ensures that the Philippine police meet their international obligations without directly breaching the government’s existing policies concerning the ICC.
Background on ICC Warrants and PNP Involvement
Earlier this year, as head of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), General Torre assisted Interpol with the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte in Manila. This operation was related to an ICC warrant accusing Duterte of crimes against humanity connected to the controversial anti-drug campaign.
The drug war, which began in 2016, resulted in thousands of deaths and remains a contentious issue. Notably, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who was PNP chief when the campaign started, is among those reportedly facing ICC warrants.
Torre’s statements indicate that the PNP will act on these warrants if proper international protocols are followed, balancing national policies and international commitments.
For more news and updates on ICC arrest warrants enforcement, visit Filipinokami.com.