The International Criminal Court (ICC) is set to issue arrest warrants for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte by mid-year, with subsequent warrants for Vice President Sara Duterte and other associates, revealed former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. Speaking at “Storycon” on One News, Trillanes detailed his ongoing communication with ICC representatives which began with the preliminary examination of Duterte’s administration’s war on drugs.
“The warrant will be released late second quarter, maybe June or July. It’s a waiting game at this point,” stated Trillanes. He further explained that the warrants would be issued in “batches,” starting with Duterte and followed by other principal actors involved in the crackdown.
Among those investigated are Senator Ronald de la Rosa, Duterte’s “tokhang” enforcer, and his former aide, Senator Bong Go. Trillanes emphasized his credible connection with the ICC since 2017, dismissing any notions of merely spreading rumors. “The other information I am releasing is not necessarily from the ICC itself but from people privy to what’s going on,” he clarified.
Trillanes also commented on the political dynamics involving current President Marcos and the Dutertes, suggesting that their rift was not directly related to the ICC but part of broader political maneuvering within the country. He speculated on Marcos’ potential openness to rejoin the ICC amid ongoing political developments, although he believed enforcement of the warrants should take precedence over rejoining the court.
“Let’s wait for the warrant of arrest to be out,” Trillanes concluded, hinting at significant political shifts depending on the ICC’s forthcoming actions.