Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made an unannounced visit to Hong Kong on Sunday, raising questions about whether he is attempting to evade a potential arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding his extrajudicial killings during his notorious war on drugs while in office.
Duterte, 79, alongside his daughter, the current Vice President Sara Duterte, was the main speaker at a campaign rally held at the Southorn Stadium in the bustling Wan Chai district of Hong Kong. This event was organized for the senatorial candidates of his political party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino, as they gear up for the May 12 midterm elections in the Philippines.
During his address, Duterte responded to reports suggesting the ICC might issue a warrant for his arrest, reiterating his previous statements that he would be willing to face imprisonment if ordered.
“If that’s my fate, that’s fine. I will accept it. We can’t do anything if I’m arrested or imprisoned,” he declared to a crowd of supportive Filipinos.
The ICC has been investigating the alarming number of deaths linked to police and vigilantes under Duterte’s crackdown on illegal drugs from 2016 to 2022. Thousands, mostly from impoverished backgrounds, perished as he pursued his war on drugs.
While serving as president, Duterte also took legal action against a journalist who reported on the government’s killings.
The former populist leader has denied authorizing extrajudicial killings, yet he has openly threatened to kill suspected drug dealers throughout his presidency.
“What was my sin?” Duterte questioned during his speech in Hong Kong. “I did everything in my time, so Filipinos can have a little peace and tranquility.”
He humorously asked the audience to contribute small amounts for the construction of his monument, which he suggested should depict him holding a firearm.
CHINESE NAVY HELICOPTER FLIES WITHIN 10 FEET OF PHILIPPINE PATROL PLANE OVER DISPUTED SHOAL
A senior Philippine official indicated that Duterte was set to return to Manila on Tuesday, but another official suggested he might extend his stay in Hong Kong.
Current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration is reportedly prepared to address any situations arising from an ICC arrest warrant, according to communications secretary Jay Ruiz.
“We’ve heard that an arrest warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court against former President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity,” Ruiz stated. “The government is prepared for any eventuality.”
In Duterte’s home region of Davao, police increased security at the international airport and established new checkpoints. Philippine authorities informed reporters that this action is part of a strategy to ensure law enforcement can manage any contingencies.
Duterte has a long-standing history in Davao, having previously held roles as mayor, vice mayor, and a member of the House of Representatives. He also chaired the Davao City Liberal Party from 2009 to 2015.
Marcos Jr. has confirmed that Philippine law enforcement agencies will be required to fully cooperate should the ICC seek to arrest Duterte.
The ICC was established in 2002 to act as a court of last resort for serious international crimes, including genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. The ICC intervenes when countries are either incapable or unwilling to prosecute crimes domestically.
Approximately 125 nations have ratified the court’s foundational treaty, the Rome Statute, although China, which governs Hong Kong, has not joined.
Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, which activists argue was an attempt to evade accountability and thwart an international investigation into government-sanctioned killings. Nevertheless, the ICC retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the country was a member, meaning Duterte could still face accountability for actions during the early part of his presidency.
