Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made an unannounced visit to Hong Kong, raising concerns about evading a possible arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for his extrajudicial killings during his war on drugs. Duterte and his daughter, current Vice President Sara Duterte, spoke at a campaign rally for senatorial candidates of his party ahead of the May 12 midterm elections in the Philippines. Addressing reports of a potential arrest warrant, Duterte stated that he was prepared to be jailed if ordered, claiming he did everything in his time to bring peace and tranquility to Filipinos, despite denying authorization of extrajudicial killings.
During Duterte’s tenure from 2016-2022, the ICC investigated the large number of killings during his drug crackdown, targeting both police and gunmen involved in the extrajudicial killings, with most victims being poor individuals. The former president also prosecuted a journalist for reporting on the government’s actions. Despite openly threatening suspected drug dealers, Duterte maintains his innocence, jokingly asking for donations for a monument of him holding a gun. Although scheduled to return to Manila on Tuesday, Duterte may extend his stay in Hong Kong as his administration prepares for any contingency related to a potential ICC arrest warrant.
Current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration is ready to cooperate if the ICC seeks Duterte’s arrest, with Philippine law enforcement agencies bolstering security measures, presumably in anticipation of any outcome related to the potential arrest warrant. Created in 2002 to prosecute the most serious international crimes, the ICC requires involvement when countries fail to prosecute crimes internally. While about 125 countries have signed the Rome Statute establishing the ICC, China, which controls Hong Kong, has not signed on. Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019 in a move critics viewed as an attempt to evade accountability; however, the court maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed during the country’s membership.
Duterte has faced allegations of ordering extrajudicial killings during his presidency, targeting individuals involved in illegal drug activities. Despite these accusations, Duterte has remained defiant, expressing readiness to face any legal consequences stemming from the ICC’s investigations. The former president’s unannounced visit to Hong Kong has raised questions about his intentions as reports suggest the possibility of the ICC issuing an arrest warrant, prompting concern within the Philippine government. Duterte’s time in office was marked by controversial policies and actions, including threats against drug dealers and journalists, leading to scrutiny and calls for accountability.
As the ICC continues to investigate Duterte’s alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings and other crimes during his presidency, the international community awaits the outcome of any potential arrest warrant. With Marcos Jr.’s administration pledging cooperation with the ICC, the Philippine government is taking measures to ensure law enforcement can address any contingencies related to the former president’s possible arrest. Duterte’s visit to Hong Kong has reignited discussions about accountability and justice, highlighting the ongoing challenges in addressing past actions by political leaders and the need for transparency and accountability in governance.
