IT’S just a simple case of “been there, done that” for the Philippine National Police in case its help is sought by the International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol in serving a warrant of arrest against former President Rodrigo Duterte.

According to PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, all Interpol-member countries are bound by an agreement to provide support to the agency in case it is seeking an international fugitive.

Composed of 196 countries, Interpol recently held its general assembly in Glasgow, United Kingdom with PNP chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil and National Bureau of Investigation Director Jaime Santiago as among the top participants from Asia who agreed to further enhanced international police cooperation to combat pervasive organized crime.

“When the time comes that they seek our assistance, then the PNP is ready to provide the necessary assistance,” said Brig. Gen. Fajardo when asked what the police force will do in case an international warrant of arrest is issued against the former president and the Interpol seeks the PNP help in serving it.

The official said Interpol-member countries afford the PNP the same respect and courtesy the national police force gives them when they go to Manila and other parts of The Philippines to track down a foreign fugitive.

She cited the case of dismissed Bamban, Mayor Alice Guo and Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo ‘Arnie’ Teves who were both located by the PNP with the help of their Interpol counterparts in Indonesia and Timos Leste respectively.

Brig. Gen. Fajardo said that Interpol mechanisms are fully working when it comes to arresting international fugitives. She cited the case of a wanted Indonesian national who was one of those apprehended in a recent anti-POGO raid in Bagac, Bataan.

It turned out that the Indonesian Embassy and its police attache requested the support of the PNP in tracking down the accused.

Many wanted foreigners including child molesters, fraudsters and killers have been captured in the country and deported to their mother-countries as a result of the Interpol agreement.

Brig. Gen. Fajardo also said that no less than the former president had told the Quad Committee of the House of Representatives that he will submit himself to the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.

“Personal po niya to, so kung me lalabas na warrant, the PNP will provide assistance to our counterparts,” she said.

The official added that the Interpol mechanisms in terms of assistance is fully working.

On Wednesday, the former president dared the ICC to start its investigation on charges he committed crimes against humanity during his 6-year term from 2016 to 2022.

Although the Philippines is no longer an ICC member, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remuilla said it is still a part of the Interpol.

However, he maintained that the Interpol must go through the country’s court system to enforce an arrest warrant from the ICC.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon