With respect to the country’s total adherence to the principles of international comity, the Department of Justice (DOJ) reiterates its full commitment to uphold its sovereign obligations with other countries.

In relation to reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) may seek the help of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to gain jurisdiction over former President Rodrigo R. Duterte to probe the past administration’s War on Drugs, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” C. Remulla has already given his explanation in previous statements connected thereto.

Allow us to reiterate the DOJ’s position for clarity, the Secretary has repeatedly said that despite the withdrawal of the Philippines from the Rome Statute, the country remains a member country of the Interpol.

Thus, when requests are made by the ICC through the Interpol and Interpol, in turn, relays such requests to our country, the Philippine government is legally obliged to accord due course to the same, by all means.