MANILA — The Philippines has reaffirmed its position on the International Criminal Court (ICC), with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin clarifying on Friday (24 Jan 2025) that the country’s withdrawal from the ICC remains in effect.
Speaking at a press briefing, Bersamin explained that while the Philippines is no longer under ICC jurisdiction, it will still cooperate if the ICC makes requests through Interpol.
He emphasized that any Interpol request for the arrest or delivery of an individual subject to ICC jurisdiction will be addressed by the government.
“If the ICC acts through Interpol, we will respond,” said Bersamin. “Our position is that we are not under ICC jurisdiction, but this does not mean we will ignore an Interpol request. We respect the role of Interpol.”
Bersamin’s comments followed statements from Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, who suggested the Philippines might be open to dialogue with the ICC. Remulla hinted at potential cooperation, stating, “We will talk to them soon in a spirit of comity, and we can cooperate in certain areas.”
The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute, the treaty that created the ICC, in 2019 after the court began investigating President Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign.
Government reports indicate at least 6,000 deaths in police operations, while human rights groups estimate 30,000 fatalities, including those attributed to vigilante killings.
Former President Duterte has consistently defended his drug war and challenged the ICC to investigate him for crimes against humanity.
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