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Old age won’t stop ICC from issuing arrest warrant’
By Nidz Godino
“Age is not basis to go lightly on someone… even if you are already old, you will still have to face court,” International Criminal Court (ICC) Assistant to Counsel Kristina Conti said although there may be some humanitarian considerations, former president Rodrigo Duterte’s age will not preclude ICC from issuing arrest warrant against him.
“ Humanitarian consideration would be in handling of prisoner…maybe he will not be handcuffed, he will be given comfortable seats, those kinds of consideration… but age does not excuse you from any accountability,” she stressed.
Reports are currently circulating that arrest warrant may soon be issued against Duterte, 79, over alleged crimes against humanity committed in his administration’s campaign against illegal drugs.
Conti said issuance of arrest warrant is often confidential in nature, with recent arrests only announced after individual was already brought to The Hague in the Netherlands, where international tribunal is located.
On the matter of implementing possible arrest warrants, she underscored importance of political will from authorities, such as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil.
Two of five who were recently tagged by ICC prosecutor as suspects are still active members of police force, namely PNP Northern Luzon Command chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. and PNP Drug Enforcement Group chief Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta.
The other three are Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, former PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde and National Police Commission Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo.
Conti also challenged Dela Rosa, who called on his colleagues to pass bill that will prohibit cooperation with ICC, to acknowledge human rights violations committed in the drug war and agree to investigation of killings.
“It’s difficult to look at it from simple legislative point of view…when you create law, it should be for good of everyone…however, objective of this proposal is for his protection… too selfish of reason to pursue this kind of bill… just waste of what is being paid to him as a legislator,” she said.
Duterte insists will not heed any arrest warrant from ICC as it has no jurisdiction over the country since cutting off ties with them five years ago.
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