Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed that it has not received any warrant of arrest for former president Rodrigo R. Duterte from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is conducting an investigation into the previous administration's war on drugs.

According to Philippines News Agency, Malaca±ang has expressed that the government is "prepared for any eventuality" following circulating reports about the ICC's issuance of a warrant. DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano stated in a chance interview with reporters, "I can only really verify those documents that come into the DOJ and as of today, wala pa po tayong nare-receive na (we have not received) any warrant issued by the ICC."

Clavano further mentioned that the government is ready should a warrant of arrest be issued by the ICC. He noted that the normal process for such issuance might not be observed as the Philippines has already withdrawn from the Rome Statute, which established the ICC. Typically, if the country were still a signatory, the ICC would inform either the Office of the President, Department of Foreign Affairs, or the DOJ.

He explained that since the Philippines is no longer a member of the ICC, the court could directly approach a law enforcement agency or a third-party country that remains an ICC member. The ICC's investigation into Duterte relates to alleged crimes against humanity concerning the killings associated with his administration's war on drugs.