Harry expects to know warrants vs. 'co-perpetrators' once recognized as Duterte counsel

THE HAGUE – Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque expects to receive information as well on the potential issuance of warrants of arrest against other individuals investigated by the International Criminal Court once he gets recognized as a counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte.

At a news conference on Monday morning in this city, Roque said he had been acting as counsel for Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa and other former chiefs of the Philippine National Police "who could possibly be named as co-perpetrator in this case.”

"That's part of discovery," Roque said when asked if as a counsel for the former president, he would be given information if there would be warrants of arrest issued against Dela Rosa and the others investigated in connection with the war on drugs killings.

"Even before the service of the warrants, I was already acting as counsel for Senator Bato and for other PNP chiefs who could possibly be named as co-perpetrators in this case," he added.

Roque said the term "co-perpetrator" was "very intriguing." 

"It's the first time I’ve heard that designation. Because either you’re a perpetrator, a co-conspirator. But it’s curious that the warrant of arrest said [for Duterte] is a co-perpetrator. So, there could be other co-perpetrators,” Roque said.

ICC’s arrest warrant states Duterte and “jointly with high-ranking government officials and members of the police force” are “co-perpetrators”, and that the former president  “used the direct perpetrators of the crimes as tools to commit the crimes.”

“I can be a legal counsel... I’ve been consistently advising even before, years ago... on ICC matters," Roque said.

Roque, a listed counsel in the ICC, has yet to be recognized as a lawyer for Duterte by the tribunal.

Only former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea has been recognized to represent Duterte in his trial for crimes against humanity.

Duterte is facing charges for the killings in his war on drugs during his administration. –NB, GMA Integrated News