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PHL won’t stop ICC probe of drug war — solicitor general
The Philippine government cannot prevent the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor from interviewing individuals involved in the war on drugs investigation, as confirmed by Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra.
Guevarra clarified that the ICC prosecutor's request is for individuals "under suspicion," not formal suspects, and they can agree or refuse to be interviewed.
The request, sent to the Philippine government to facilitate interviews either in The Hague or in the Philippines, aims to talk with officials the ICC considers "under suspicion."
This development was prompted by former senator Antonio Trillanes IV publishing a confidential ICC document that named Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa and four other former high-ranking police officials.
The named officials include former police chiefs Oscar Albayalde and Eleazar Matta, Major General Romeo Caramat, and former Napolcom commissioner Edilberto Leonardo.
Guevarra noted that the document was intended to be confidential, but its release necessitated a public explanation regarding the interview requests.
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Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa stated that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is free to do as it pleases regarding its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity during the Duterte administration.
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Former Senator Leila de Lima stated that it would be better to await the results of the International Criminal Court's (ICC) investigation into the previous administration's war on drugs, as local investigations have been ineffective.
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Retired Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde stated he will only cooperate with the International Criminal Court's (ICC) drug war probe if ordered by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
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Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stated that the Philippine government cannot prevent Interpol from serving arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Filipinos.
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Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV claims the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor's Office has requested Interpol to issue a 'blue notice' for Senator Ronald Dela Rosa and other former and current police officials.
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