In an unexpected development, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte embarked on a sudden journey to Hong Kong, stirring speculation on Sunday about his intentions to avoid a potential arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) concerning his violent anti-drug campaign during his presidency.
Duterte, accompanied by his daughter, the current Philippine Vice President, appeared as the central figures at a political rally in Southorn Stadium, located in the bustling Wan Chai commercial district. The event was organized in support of the senatorial candidates from his political party ahead of the midterm elections set for May 12 in the Philippines. The venue was filled to capacity with thousands of enthusiastic Filipino expatriates, waving flags and cheering as they listened to Duterte’s address.
In his characteristically blunt style, Duterte addressed the crowd, acknowledging reports about a possible ICC arrest warrant and reiterated his acceptance of potential imprisonment. His verbal offenses were directed at the ongoing ICC investigation into the numerous extrajudicial killings linked to his aggressive anti-drug operations, which primarily affected the impoverished population.
Despite accusations, Duterte has denied ordering extrajudicial killings, though he has often made public threats against suspected drug dealers during his leadership between 2016 and 2022. In his speech, he rhetorically questioned his alleged wrongdoings, reflecting on his efforts to establish peace and order during his administration.
“If this is my fate in life, it’s OK, I’ll accept it. I can’t do anything if I get arrested and jailed,” stated the former president, now 79 and frail in health. He humorously suggested to the crowd that they contribute towards building a monument in his honor, depicting him wielding a gun.
Media representatives, including journalists initially allowed access to cover the occasion, were abruptly removed by unidentified event organizers. Meanwhile, a senior Philippine official disclosed that Duterte might return to Manila on Tuesday, although he had the option to extend his stay in Hong Kong. The officials, due to the sensitivity of the matter, requested anonymity.
In Manila, Communications Secretary Jay Ruiz voiced that the current government under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was ready to address any issues stemming from an ICC arrest warrant. Ruiz confirmed the Philippine administration’s preparedness for any possible scenario pertaining to Duterte’s situation.
Meanwhile, increased security measures were observed in Davao, Duterte’s home region in the southern Philippines, with additional police deployed at the international airport and new checkpoints established. According to local authorities, this was a routine exercise designed to ensure law enforcement’s readiness for any situation.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. affirmed that while Philippine law enforcement agencies would cooperate fully with the ICC should it seek custody of the former president, the situation remains delicate. The ICC, based in The Hague since its inception in 2002, acts as a court of last resort for severe international crimes such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression—intervening when countries are either unable or unwilling to prosecute offenses on their own soil.
While around 125 nations are signatories to the court’s founding document, the Rome Statute, China, which governs Hong Kong, has not joined. Despite Duterte’s decision to withdraw the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, a move criticized as a tactic to evade international accountability over the drug-related killings, the ICC retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed when the Philippines was a member state.
