Groups say enforcing ICC arrest warrant in PH ‘not impossible’

Groups say enforcing ICC arrest warrant in PH ‘not impossible’

The enforcement in the Philippines of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) is “not impossible,” according to the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL).

Although the country is no longer a member of the ICC, the Philippine National Police may still be compelled to enforce the warrant under certain circumstances, the NUPL said on Saturday in a joint statement with the group Rise Up for Life and for Rights.

“The PNP may be ordered to implement the warrant on orders of the President—upon an extradition request, out of comity, or in compliance with international obligations,” the groups said.

Lawyer Kristina Conti, ICC assistant to counsel, explained that “comity” is the “recognition and respect for the processes of one court to another.”

The two groups also noted that the Philippines is a member of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol). The ICC has an agreement on data exchange and cooperation with that agency.

They said the Interpol “could be requested to provide information and share communications about fugitives.”

‘No jurisdiction’

Earlier this week, the PNP said it would not enforce an arrest warrant against former President Duterte, who faces an investigation before the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity over his drug war during his presidency.

Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, Duterte’s first PNP chief who oversaw the drug war, is also a principal respondent in the complaint filed before the ICC in 2017 by lawyer Jude Josue Sabio.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said on Wednesday “There is already a question of jurisdiction [if the ICC issues its warrant] because we think this is an interference with the sovereignty of our country.”

READ: PNP to snub arrest warrant for Duterte if ICC issues one

“Can they enforce it within the jurisdiction of the Philippine

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