SolGen Guevarra: No need for Pres Marcos' order vs enforcement of ICC's arrest warrant if issued
There is no need for President Marcos to issue an order that would direct law enforcement agencies not to implement an arrest warrant that might be issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), Solicitor General Menardo I. Guevarra said on Wednesday, Feb. 7.
Guevarra said that the President has repeatedly stated that the Philippine government will not cooperate with the ICC in the investigation of the alleged crimes against humanity reportedly committed during the illegal drugs operations of then president Rodrigo R. Duterte.
“The President's repeated public statements are as good and effective as any written memorandum circular,” Guevarra stressed.
The solicitor general responded to calls aired by lawyer Harry Roque, the former presidential spokesperson of Duterte, for President Marcos should issue the directive.
Just recently, Roque revealed that he received a call from Duterte who told him of an information on the former president's arrest.
Roque said the information is corroborated by rumors on plans of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to disband the Task Force Davao which is made up of 700 soldiers believed to be loyal to Duterte and tasked to protect Davao against terrorism.
Guevarra reiterated his stand that the government will “not lend any assistance to the ICC investigation, much less in the enforcement in Philippine territory of any processes issued by the ICC.”
The Philippine withdrawal from the ICC took effect in 2019 after Duterte in 2018 ordered the country’s withdrawal as a party to the Rome Statute that created the international court.