Screengrab from RTVM

The Philippine government is ready to cooperate if the International Criminal Court (ICC) seeks assistance through the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), despite its withdrawal from the ICC. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin clarified the country’s stance on honoring its commitments to Interpol while maintaining its position on ICC jurisdiction.

“Wala na tayo sa jurisdiction ng ICC (We are no longer under ICC jurisdiction), but that does not necessarily mean that the order of the ICC enforced through the Interpol is to be ignored,” Bersamin said. He explained that if the ICC channels a request through Interpol and the organization formally asks the Philippines to act—whether it’s for the arrest or custody of an individual under ICC jurisdiction—the government will respond positively.

While reiterating that the Philippines has exited the ICC, Bersamin emphasized the need to respect the obligations tied to its Interpol membership. This nuanced position highlights the balancing act between honoring international commitments and asserting national sovereignty.

The statement comes amid ongoing discussions about the ICC's potential investigations and the Philippines' stance following its withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019. For now, the government remains firm in its position but signals readiness to comply with requests aligned with its Interpol obligations.