Cagayan de Oro City — The movement advocating for the return of former President Rodrigo Duterte has welcomed Malacañang’s acknowledgment on Monday that Filipinos may be covered under the Executive Order (EO) signed by US President Donald Trump. The EO targets individuals and organizations that assist the International Criminal Court (ICC) in investigating or prosecuting American nationals or their allies.

Benito Ranque, convenor of Return Duterte, told the DAILY TRIBUNE on Tuesday that the admission by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro — that Filipinos may be included in the US sanctions — is a clear indication that the Palace is bracing for possible sanctions from the US Department of the Treasury.

Castro said the United States respects the sovereign decisions of its allies and that the EO should not be seen as interference in Philippine legal proceedings.

"Whatever our country’s prerogatives may be, the US will respect them,” Castro said in Filipino, as she allayed concerns that the Philippines could face sanctions if it continues to assist the ICC, particularly in relation to the investigation into Duterte’s controversial war on drugs.

Ranque, however, insisted that the Trump EO has been in effect since 2019 and was only lifted when former President Joe Biden rescinded it.

Last month, the Philippine government arrested Duterte and flew him to the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands.

With the EO going into effect on Sunday, concerns were raised that those responsible for Duterte’s arrest and detention may face possible sanctions.

Under the EO, even indirect assistance — such as helping execute arrest warrants — may trigger sanctions.

"The United States has already withdrawn or denied visas to any International Court personnel responsible for investigating possible crimes against humanity by US forces and its allies," Ranque said, referencing the US Secretary of State’s announcement on 16 March 2019.

He added that no less than former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had announced: "These visa restrictions will not be the end of our efforts. We’re prepared to take additional steps, including economic sanctions, if the ICC does not change its course."

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

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

Referencing the Trump EO, Ranque claimed the ICC has “abused its power” by asserting jurisdiction over countries like the US and Israel — both of which are not parties to the Rome Statute.

Following a 60-day notice period, the EO officially 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 is not cooperating with the ICC, the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Imee Marcos, revealed that the government has offered support to the ICC through Interpol.

Meanwhile, the US Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is expected to release a list of individuals and companies under the control of targeted countries that violated Trump’s Executive Order imposing sanctions on the ICC for alleged illegitimate actions against the US and its allies.

According to the OFAC website (ofac.treasury.gov), the updated list includes names under Trump’s Executive Order 14203 issued on 6 February. It includes Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs) who are barred from entering the US and have their assets frozen.

"As part of its enforcement efforts, OFAC publishes a list of individuals and companies owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, targeted countries. It also lists individuals, groups, and entities — such as terrorists and narcotics traffickers — designated under programs that are not country-specific. Collectively, such individuals and companies are called 'Specially Designated Nationals' or 'SDNs.' Their assets are blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from dealing with them," the website stated.