FORMER Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar Moreno said that former President Rodrigo Duterte can only challenge the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands — not in the Philippines.
Speaking at the Pakighinabi sa mga Fisherfolk event in Bonbon on March 12, Moreno, a lawyer, was asked about Duterte’s recent arrest.
He pointed out that jurisdictional issues should be raised in The Hague, where the ICC is based.
“I’m sure President Duterte can question the jurisdiction of the ICC, and I think he should — but in The Hague,” Moreno said.
He added that the Philippine government cannot decide on ICC jurisdiction, as there was a divided ruling on the country’s withdrawal from the court.
Despite the Philippines’ exit, Moreno said the case remains under the ICC prosecutor’s office.
Moreno also highlighted the role of Interpol, stating that as a member nation, the Philippines is obligated to cooperate.
“Kay simbako unya dili nato tumanon, dawbi ug kita’y manginahanglan sa Interpol,” Moreno rhetorically asked.
He cited the case of Alice Guo, where Philippine authorities worked with Interpol for her swift arrest.
“As part of the international community, the government must comply with global rules,” Moreno said, adding that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. cannot ignore the warrant.
He added that the ICC would not have intervened if the Philippine government had effectively prosecuted crimes under its jurisdiction.
“Dili pa man ulahi ang tanan. Kanang issue for the accountability, kahibalo man siya (Duterte). Mao baya nang ni ingon siya, (in) many instances, nga ako ra kini nga tulubagon ug ako ang manubag niini,” said Moreno.
During his tenure as mayor, Moreno said he supported the war on drugs but opposed extrajudicial killings.
“I made it clear to our police commanders that I do not support extrajudicial killings,” he said.
