Former Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said he is ready to face any possible arrest warrant that the International Criminal Court (ICC) may issue against him in connection with former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial war on illegal drugs.
In a television interview, Aguirre stated that he has nothing to fear since he did nothing wrong during his time as Justice Secretary.
“I’ve never been afraid of this. As a matter of fact, if they are going to arrest me, charge me, send me to The Hague, perhaps it would be good for us — for the President (ex-President Rodrigo Duterte) especially para may kasama siya doon,” Aguirre said.
However, Aguirre also stressed that he would fight any attempt to have him or any Filipino tried by a foreign tribunal.
“Of course I’m going to resist because I believe that this government or any government for that matter has no right to send a Filipino citizen to be tried by a foreign tribunal. I’m going to resist… but if my resistance is not enough and they are successful in bringing me there, so be it,” he added.
Aguirre was among several officials under the Duterte administration who have been included in the ICC’s investigation into alleged crimes against humanity related to the thousands of deaths resulting from the government’s anti-drug campaign.
Despite the ongoing probe, Aguirre maintained his stance that he acted within the bounds of the law and has nothing to hide.