The Philippine National Police on Wednesday night distanced itself from an assertion by a Duterte ally that the International Criminal Court had ordered the arrest of Sen. Bong Go and two former police officials, saying no such paperwork had reached the agency.
Col. Allen Rae Co, who heads the PNP’s public information office, addressed the matter shortly after the claim circulated online. “The Philippine National Police has not received any official communication or documentation regarding the alleged issuance of ICC warrants,” he said.
The allegation originated with 1st District Davao City Rep. Pulong Duterte, who posted it on social media and attributed the information to what he described as a highly reliable source. In the same post, the congressman framed the supposed warrants as politically motivated, writing: “Wala na ba talagang katapusan ang administrasyong ito sa paggamit ng ICC bilang political weapon laban sa kanilang mga kalaban?”
Go has previously surfaced in the international tribunal’s proceedings against former president Rodrigo Duterte. The senator was named as one of several alleged indirect co-perpetrators in the crimes against humanity case tied to the former leader’s anti-drug campaign.
Co indicated that the police would act if a legitimate order materialized. “Should any warrants be issued by a competent authority and transmitted through proper legal channels, the Philippine National Police will implement and execute the same in accordance with the law and established protocols,” he said.
The congressman did not identify the two former officers he referenced. Among those previously named alongside Go as alleged co-perpetrators are former PNP chiefs, including Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, whose own situation has been the subject of conflicting accounts. As Rappler has reported, the ICC’s spokesperson has maintained that the court communicates developments only through its official channels and does not confirm warrants that may be issued under seal.
No independent corroboration of Rep. Duterte’s assertion had emerged at the time of his post, and the claim remains unverified.
