Palace appeals to Duterte supporters amid arrest rumors: Keep calm, he asked for it

Malacañang has appealed for sobriety among supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte amid rumors of his possible arrest, saying they have nothing to worry about since this is what Duterte wanted.

Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said this following rumors that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has already issued an arrest warrant against Duterte, who is now in Hong Kong, for crimes against humanity.

In a press briefing on Monday, March 10, Castro reiterated the Palace's statement over the weekend that the government is ready for any eventuality should the former president be arrested.

"Handa naman po ang law enforcement agencies natin (Our law enforcement agencies are prepared)," she said.

"Kung ano po ang sinasabi ng batas, kung kinakailangan po na i-serve ang warrant of arrest because of the request of Interpol, ano't ano man po ang mangyayari basta nasa legal gagawin po 'yan ng pamahalaan (Whatever the law says, if we have to serve the arrest warrant because of an Interpol request, whatever happens as long as it's legal, the government will do it)," she added.

With this, Castro asked Duterte's supporters for sobriety as she acknowledged that the serving of an arrest warrant might lead to unrest.

"Pipigilan po nating magkagulo. Ang gagawin lamang po talaga natin ay kung ano'ng naaayon sa batas (We will prevent chaos to ensue. We'll only do what's within the law)," she said.

"Ito naman din po ang pakiusap natin kung mangyayari po ito. Yung mga tao, ang taumbayan, kung sino man yung mga supporters, makinig na lang po kayo kung ano yung sinasabi ng batas (This is also our appeal in case this happens. His supporters should listen to what the law says)," she added.

When asked if Duterte's escaping was among the eventualities the government had prepared for, Castro said she didn't believe the former president would flee since facing the ICC was what he asked for. Duterte had already left the country for Hong Kong on Friday to campaign for his senatorial candidates.

"We cannot conclude that there is propensity on the part of former president Duterte that he would escape, considering he was the one who asked for this," she said.

Castro recalled Duterte's statements before the House quad-committee hearing, daring the ICC to "hurry up."

"Pinamamadali nga niya yung ICC. Di ba sabi nga niya, 'hurry up!' At ang sinabi pa niya (He was rushing the ICC. He even said), 'Tomorrow, bukas na bukas din, kung gusto nyo mag-imbestiga (if you want to investigate). And if you will put in prison, I would rather rot in jail,'" she said.

"Kaya po yung mga kababayan natin, dapat mag-relax dahil hiling po ito mismo ng dating pangulong Duterte (So to the people, you should relax because this is exactly the wish of former president Duterte)," she added.

The ICC has been investigating Duterte and other individuals for the supposed extrajudicial killings and human rights violations committed during his bloody drug war.

During his term, the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute that established the ICC.

President Marcos maintained Duterte's position that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines following its withdrawal. However, Malacañang said the country will only cooperate if the ICC courses its request through Interpol.