PH open to Interpol cooperation if ICC requests Duterte’s surrender for drug war probe

DAVAO CITY —The Philippine government would not interfere should former President Rodrigo R. Duterte decide to voluntarily surrender to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for its investigation into alleged extrajudicial killings during his war on drugs, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced on Wednesday.

“If the former President chooses to submit himself to the ICC’s jurisdiction, the government will neither oppose nor obstruct his decision,” Bersamin stated.

While the government has taken a neutral stance on Duterte’s voluntary surrender, Bersamin added that Philippine authorities would consider cooperating with Interpol if the ICC escalates its request to the international policing body. Should the ICC issue a red notice through Interpol, the Philippine government would regard it as a formal request requiring compliance from local law enforcement, in line with international protocols.

“If Interpol transmits a red notice to Philippine authorities at the ICC’s behest, the government would be obliged to treat it as a legitimate request. Domestic law enforcement agencies would then provide full cooperation to Interpol according to established procedures,” Bersamin explained.

Duterte, who is currently participating as a resource speaker in the House inquiry on alleged extrajudicial killings during his administration’s anti-drug campaign, has maintained that he carried out the campaign in the country’s best interests. However, the ICC’s continuing interest in investigating human rights abuses associated with the campaign places the former president in a unique position regarding international accountability.

The government’s stance signals a readiness to uphold international obligations if the situation escalates while respecting Duterte’s autonomy in determining his course of action with the ICC.