Malacañang Speaks on Gov’t Complying w/ Interpol for Duterte’s Arrest
MALACAÑANG – The Palace spoke on the arrest of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and the government complying with the Interpol.
Over the previous weekend, rumors that the International Criminal Court, also called the ICC, has released an arrest warrant against former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte circulated in the Philippines. However, then, there was no confirmation.
Former Pres. Duterte flew to Hong Kong for the thanksgiving event of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) members. Upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Duterte was arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Prior to it, Malacañang said that if the Interpol would request for “necessary assistance”, the Philippine government is “obliged to follow”. Following the arrest of the former Chief Executive, the Palace earned different comments and calls from the public.
There are questions as to why Pres. Bongbong Marcos did not exercise his power to stop the arrest although he allegedly can if he wanted to. Based on a report on GMA News, Malacañang Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro explained that it is clearly the prerogative of the government.
”Very clear, it’s the prerogative of the government so if it is the prerogative of the government to comply with the commitment with the Interpol, so that’s it,” Castro said.
Castro further stressed that the case of former Pres. Duterte is allegedly different. Based on the report, the Malacañang Press Officer stressed that the process will give justice to either the victims or the accused.
”This is not just surrendering a Filipino citizen, it is surrendering a Filipino citizen who is accused of crimes against humanity, specifically murder, so it would be a different story. So we have to comply with the law and give justice, either to the victims or to the accused,” Castro said.
The Malacañang Press Officer further explained that if the accused can say that he is not guilty and defend himself, it can be justice for him. On the other side, if the accused is guilty, it will be justice for the victims.
After the former President was flown out from the Philippines, details about what reportedly awaits former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte at The Hague crossed the surface.