Former PNP chief on rumored ICC arrest: 'Just speculation'

Rumors have begun circulating that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is preparing to issue arrest warrants against individuals involved in the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. This follows the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands.

Among those rumored to be on the list is retired general Oscar Albayalde, former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).  

“All of that is just speculation at this time,” he said in Filipino during a radio interview on Monday.

Albayalde dismissed the reports as mere speculation, while saying that they have been preparing for the possibility of an arrest warrant coming their way. 

He also defended Oplan Double Barrel, the anti-drug campaign launched under his leadership, saying that its goal was to encourage drug dependents to surrender rather than engage in extrajudicial killings. 

“The purpose of Oplan Double Barrel was for drug dependents to surrender. We never issued any illegal orders,” he said. 

The former PNP chief’s remarks come with reports that several key officials could be involved in ICC proceedings. 

As the investigation progresses, the question remains: will authorities comply with any arrest warrants, or will this lead to a prolonged legal and political standoff?