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Duterte foresees extended legal battle at ICC
(MENAFN) Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed readiness for a prolonged legal battle at the International Criminal Court (ICC) after his arrest on charges of crimes against humanity related to his controversial "war on drugs." Duterte was detained by Philippine authorities at Manila’s international airport on Tuesday and flown to The Hague the following day. The ICC arrest warrant accuses Duterte of orchestrating, funding, and arming "death squads" responsible for killing suspected drug dealers and users between 2016 and 2022.
While on the plane, Duterte recorded a two-minute video, reassuring his supporters and stating that he is "okay." He acknowledged that the legal proceedings would take time, but vowed to continue serving his country, saying, “I will continue to serve my country. And so be it, if that is my destiny.” The video, posted on Facebook, quickly gained over 19 million views.
Although Duterte has previously denied wrongdoing, he has admitted that violence occurred during his anti-drug campaign. Upon taking office, he ordered the police to use lethal force against drug suspects who resisted arrest. Official records indicate that around 6,200 people were killed in police operations, though activists claim the real number could be higher.
Some human rights groups argue that Duterte’s arrest is illegal, pointing out that the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019 on Duterte’s orders. However, the ICC asserts it still has jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was a member.
Duterte’s son, Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, the mayor of Davao City, criticized his father’s arrest, claiming it sets a dangerous precedent. He questioned what protection remains for ordinary citizens if such actions can be taken against a former president.
While on the plane, Duterte recorded a two-minute video, reassuring his supporters and stating that he is "okay." He acknowledged that the legal proceedings would take time, but vowed to continue serving his country, saying, “I will continue to serve my country. And so be it, if that is my destiny.” The video, posted on Facebook, quickly gained over 19 million views.
Although Duterte has previously denied wrongdoing, he has admitted that violence occurred during his anti-drug campaign. Upon taking office, he ordered the police to use lethal force against drug suspects who resisted arrest. Official records indicate that around 6,200 people were killed in police operations, though activists claim the real number could be higher.
Some human rights groups argue that Duterte’s arrest is illegal, pointing out that the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019 on Duterte’s orders. However, the ICC asserts it still has jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was a member.
Duterte’s son, Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, the mayor of Davao City, criticized his father’s arrest, claiming it sets a dangerous precedent. He questioned what protection remains for ordinary citizens if such actions can be taken against a former president.
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