The decision to implement a potential Red Notice from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) against individuals involved in the Duterte administration’s war on drugs lies with Philippine authorities, including the judiciary and law enforcement agencies.
Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez stated that the Philippines would take this position if the Interpol were to reach an agreement with the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is investigating the drug war killings in the country, and if an arrest warrant were to be issued against personalities implicated in the drug war.
DOJ officials reiterated Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla’s earlier stance that despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC, the country remains a member of Interpol.
The official further explained that the enforcement of Red Notices would depend on the determination of local authorities, who may choose to approve or reject them.
In the event that Interpol issues a Red Notice, it will be coordinated through the Philippine National Police (PNP), which serves as the country’s designated Interpol National Central Bureau.
A Red Notice, according to Interpol, is a request to law enforcement in member countries to locate and provisionally arrest an individual pending extradition or similar legal action.
However, it is not an international arrest warrant, as the member countries still have the discretion to arrest an individual based on their own laws.