PNP prepared for potential Interpol request on Duterte

The Philippine National Police (PNP) stated on Monday they are prepared for any eventuality if Interpol requests assistance in arresting former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, clarified that the police force does not have verifiable information regarding an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Duterte but remains legally obligated to cooperate with Interpol as a member organization.

Fajardo emphasized that recent troop mobilizations in Davao City are part of election security preparations and unrelated to any potential ICC warrant or arrest.

Speculation has grown over the possibility of an impending ICC arrest warrant for Duterte due to his anti-narcotics campaign and extrajudicial killings during his presidency.

Duterte, currently in Hong Kong to attend a 'Pasasalamat kay PRRD with OFWs', mentioned learning about the supposed release of an ICC arrest warrant but defended his drug war as a measure to protect Filipinos.

The PNP also refuted claims that they issued an arrest warrant against Duterte for incitement to sedition.