FORMER Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV yesterday said investigators of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have allegedly “communicated” with former and active police officers implicated in the bloody campaign against illegal drugs of the Duterte administration.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Trillanes said “highly-credible” sources have told him that ICC probers have talked with more than 50 former and active police officers “regarding their being implicated in the crimes against humanity case of Rodrigo Duterte at the ICC.”
“This means that if they do not immediately signify their intention to cooperate with the investigators, their status would be elevated to being suspects and, therefore, would result to travel restrictions initially and eventually arrest via Interpol,” Trillanes said.
The ICC has launched an investigation into the alleged crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the Duterte administration’s campaign against illegal drugs, which has led to the death of thousands of people.
Trillanes was one of the parties that sued Duterte before the ICC.
Last January, the former senator said ICC investigators were in the country last December and met with some of the families of the victims.
He has also said that an arrest warrant could be soon issued against Duterte.
To date, no arrest order has been issued by the ICC.
Reacting to Trillanes’ disclosure, the PNP yesterday reiterated it will only recognize and participate in judicial processes being carried out in the country in relation to the alleged involvement of its officers in Duterte’s bloody war on drugs.
PNP spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo, during the Manila Bay media forum, said they are taking their cue from the national government, which has repeatedly said that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines because the country has already withdrawn from the Rome Statute, which created the ICC.
President Marcos Jr has also said his administration will not serve any arrest warrant from the ICC against Duterte.
“From the start, the PNP’s position regarding the investigation is clear,” said Fajardo, adding “we will take our cue from the national government.” — With Victor Reyes
