Duterte groups pushing ICC, gov’t sanctions

A group advocating for former President Rodrigo Duterte’s return to the Philippines has pushed the enforcement of a United States executive order that could sanction those involved in his arrest and detention.

Benito Ranque, convenor of the “Return Duterte Movement,” told DAILY TRIBUNE that the order signed by President Donald Trump in February sought to sanction officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

He said the same EO, a close reading of which showed it pertained to ICC arrest orders against Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, can be applied in the case of Duterte.

Ranque cited the order’s language accusing the ICC of taking “illegitimate” actions against the US and its allies, primarily Israel.

“We’re expecting asset freezes and travel bans for anyone involved in what they’re calling ‘Operation Hot Pursuit’ against ‘Tatay Digong,’” he said.

He speculated that not only ICC officials may be targeted by the EO, but also Filipinos who helped build the case against Duterte may be affected by the sanctions.

Referencing the Trump EO, he noted that the ICC has “abused its power” by asserting jurisdiction over countries like the US and Israel — nations that are not parties to the Rome Statute.

Following a 60-day notice period, the EO took effect on Sunday, 6 April. It states that anyone involved in investigating or prosecuting war crimes or crimes against humanity against US allies could face sanctions, including asset freezes, travel bans and other penalties.

Despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s repeated claims that the Philippines isn’t cooperating with the ICC, the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs chaired by Senator Imee Marcos revealed that the Philippine government has been offering support to the ICC through Interpol.