by Miriam G. Desacada
Tacloban City, Leyte–House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan defended the Marcos administration’s decision to cooperate with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in enforcing the arrest warrant against former President Rodrigo Duterte.
He said: “By collaborating with Interpol, the Philippines sends a strong message to the global community: we are committed to upholding the rule of law, respecting international legal norms, and ensuring that justice prevails.”
Libanan, who once served as Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration (BI), said that international cooperation in law enforcement is vital.
“Having firsthand experience in immigration and border security, I understand the critical role global partnerships play in combating transnational crimes, including drug trafficking and human smuggling. We must work hand in hand with international organizations like Interpol to ensure that justice is served without borders,” he said.
Libanan further cited the collaboration of the Bureau of Immigration with the Interpol. He said: “During my tenure at the BI, we secured P250 million worth of computer systems from Interpol. These systems significantly enhanced our capabilities, enabling immigration officers at international ports of entry to access Interpol’s global database of wanted individuals.”
Interpol, which consists of 196 member countries, is one of the world’s largest international law enforcement organizations. The Philippines has been a member since 1951, with its Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) serving as the primary liaison between local law enforcement and Interpol’s global network.
Libanan, a lawyer and former chairperson of the House committee on justice, expounded on the vital role of the Interpol in strengthening international law enforcement through information-sharing, issuing alerts, and coordinating cross-border crime-fighting operations.
“The government’s engagement with Interpol fortifies our legal and institutional framework, ensuring that individuals facing serious allegations are held accountable, regardless of their status or position,” he said.
Libanan declared: “No one is above the law. The pursuit of justice must be steadfast, impartial, and aligned with both national and international legal standards.” —-Miriam G. Desacada