By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Thursday dismissed claims that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has already issued an arrest warrant against Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, saying no such order has been released at this time.
Trillanes issued the clarification following statements made by Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, who suggested that an ICC arrest warrant against Go was already forthcoming or had been issued.
In a social media post, Trillanes urged the public not to be misled by the claims, stressing that no arrest warrant has been issued by the ICC against any additional individuals linked to the tribunal’s ongoing investigation.
“Do not believe such claims. No ICC warrant has been issued for anyone yet,” Trillanes said.
The former lawmaker added that even if a warrant were eventually issued, those making the claims would likely not have prior knowledge of it, citing the circumstances surrounding the arrest warrant earlier issued against former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Trillanes’ statement echoed earlier pronouncements from government agencies, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Department of Justice (DOJ), all of which said they have not received any official information regarding an alleged ICC arrest warrant against Go.
Officials maintained that, as of now, no formal communication has been transmitted to Philippine authorities concerning such a warrant.
Responding to rumors circulating online, Go said he remains calm and is leaving the matter to divine providence while firmly denying any wrongdoing.
“I leave everything to God. Throughout my life, I have never violated any human law or God’s law,” the senator said in a statement.
Go also emphasized that law enforcement matters were never part of his official duties and expressed hope that the issue would not be used for political purposes.
He assured the public that he would continue performing his responsibilities as a senator despite the speculation surrounding the alleged ICC action.
The issue emerged amid continuing developments in the ICC investigation into the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
While reports regarding Go remain unconfirmed, an arrest warrant has already been publicly linked to Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who served as Philippine National Police chief during the height of the drug war.
The ICC investigation centers on alleged crimes against humanity committed during anti-illegal drug operations that resulted in thousands of deaths. Government records place the death toll at more than 6,000, while human rights groups estimate significantly higher figures.
As of press time, no official ICC document has been released confirming the existence of an arrest warrant against Senator Go.
ia/xf
