The walls are closing in on former president Rodrigo Duterte and other respondents, as an imminent arrest warrant looms in connection with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) probe into the “war on drugs.”

Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV revealed that ICC investigators, who landed in the country in December 2023, have completed their investigation and stand prepared to issue the arrest warrant.

Trillanes disclosed that the ICC investigators conducted interviews with key individuals related to the drug war, GMA News reported.

“Based on my information, the ICC [investigators] have done what they needed to do in their initial investigation inside the country as far as the principal accused are concerned,” Trillanes said.

In a separate interview with CNN Philippines, Trillanes said that the ICC’s warrant of arrest will also include Vice President Sara Duterte due to her alleged involvement in extra-judicial killings when she was the mayor of Davao City.

“Nung siya ay mayor tuloy-tuloy ang EJK sa Davao city at yong mismong Davao Death Squad ay nagpaalam sa kanya kung pwede nilang ituloy yong programa nila under mayor Duterte na tokhang. Sinabi ni then mayor Sara Duterte na ituloy ang tokhang,” Trillanes said.

He added that these allegations against the vice president were “recorded” and submitted to the ICC, which made efforts to ensure the safety of the witnesses.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr., however, stated in a press conference that they have not received confirmed reports on the matter.

Acorda emphasized, “As of now, we do not have any confirmed reports or communications reaching our office to that effect.”

Contrary to the previous administration’s stance, the Marcos administration declared on January 20 that it would not impede the ICC investigation into Duterte’s drug war as long as it adheres to Philippine legal procedures.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla clarified, “We’re not here to stop them (ICC) because if they’re not doing anything illegal, there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Remulla acknowledged the ICC’s right to gather statements and evidence but emphasized the need for procedural clarification, Manila Standard reported.

This statement marked a departure from the current administration’s adamant refusal to cooperate with ICC investigators.

In response to the possibility of an ICC-issued arrest warrant, Acorda stated that the PNP would rely on directives from the “highest office” on how to treat the order.

He added, “I cannot comment on that as of now,” highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the warrant.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra argued that the Philippines has no legal obligation to cooperate with the ICC investigation despite the Supreme Court’s 2021 decision stating otherwise.

The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute, establishing the ICC, in 2019 under Duterte’s leadership.

Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, one of the respondents in the case, called on the Marcos administration to confirm the completion of the ICC investigation, according to Manila Bulletin.

Dela Rosa expressed his disappointment at the possibility of an arrest warrant, stating, “If it’s true, then my perspective will change, to the extent that they truly are fickle-minded.”

Dela Rosa affirmed his readiness to participate in the investigation if the government allows and orders their cooperation.

He urged transparency, saying, “Our only request is let’s be frank: let’s discuss it like a man. If you want us to be investigated, if you want us to be imprisoned, then just tell it to our face.”

Meanwhile, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque is set to serve as the lead counsel for Dela Rosa and Duterte if the ICC investigation proceeds, Inquirer reported.

Dela Rosa confirmed this arrangement, stating, “Si Harry Roque ang aming lead counsel… nandyan si Harry Roque. Siya ang magrerepresent sa amin.”

The ICC investigation centers on the previous administration’s war on drugs, with allegations of crimes against humanity.

Data from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in February 2022 indicated that over 6,200 drug suspects were killed during Duterte’s drug war.