DOJ: No ICC arrest warrant, Philippines withdrew from Rome Statute

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has not received any notice regarding a warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court issued against former President Rodrigo Duterte, an official said Monday.

Malacañang earlier stated that the government is prepared for any eventuality amid reports about a potential ICC warrant issuance.

DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano confirmed that no notice or warrant has been received by the DOJ as of today and reiterated that the government remains ready in case such a warrant is issued.

Clavano noted that since the Philippines withdrew from being a signatory to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, normal procedures for warrant issuance would not be followed.

He explained that if the country were still a signatory, the ICC would inform either the Office of the President, Department of Foreign Affairs, or the DOJ.

Clavano added that since the Philippines is no longer an ICC member, the court can directly issue the warrant to law enforcement agencies or third-party countries that are still members.