Screengrab from Congress PH

Former President Rodrigo Duterte threw down the gauntlet at the International Criminal Court (ICC), urging them to expedite their investigation into his controversial war on drugs.

"I am asking the ICC to hurry up. And if possible, they can come here and start the investigation tomorrow," Duterte declared. It seems he’s eager for the matter to be resolved, saying, “This issue has been left hanging for so many years. Baka mamatay na ako, ‘di na nila ako maimbestigahan,” reflecting his desire to address the allegations head-on while he still has the chance.

Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin also addressed the situation, clarifying that the government would not stand in Duterte’s way if he chooses to cooperate with the ICC. “If the former President desires to surrender himself to the jurisdiction of the ICC, the government will neither object to it nor move to block the fulfillment of his desire,” Bersamin said.

However, Bersamin explained that should the ICC involve Interpol by issuing a red notice—a type of international arrest alert—the Philippine government would likely feel bound to honor it. “The government will feel obliged to consider the red notice as a request to be honored, in which case the domestic law enforcement agencies shall be bound to accord full cooperation to Interpol, pursuant to established protocols,” Bersamin stated.

These developments have certainly added fuel to the ongoing debate around Duterte's war on drugs. While his statement is undoubtedly bold, only time will tell how the ICC and Philippine authorities will respond to the former president’s challenge.