Rodrigo Duterte Arrested Amid International Drug War Investigation
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested upon returning to Manila from Hong Kong, following an investigation by the ICC into alleged crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaign that resulted in thousands of deaths. The ICC’s jurisdiction was contested by Duterte’s administration, although the current government is willing to cooperate with the inquiry. Duterte maintains his actions were motivated by a desire for peace and is prepared to face consequences for his actions.
Rodrigo Duterte, the former President of the Philippines, was arrested on Tuesday upon arriving at Manila’s international airport after a political event in Hong Kong. At the age of 79, Mr. Duterte was taken into custody by Interpol following a request from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is probing the numerous killings that transpired during his administration’s aggressive anti-drug campaign.
The ICC has accused Mr. Duterte of crimes against humanity stemming from his actions between 2011, during his tenure as mayor of Davao, and 2019, indicating that he sought to evade accountability by withdrawing the Philippines from the Rome Statute. Official reports document around 6,000 deaths during the so-called “war on drugs”, while human rights organizations propose the actual death toll could surpass 20,000.
In late 2021, Mr. Duterte’s government attempted to halt the ICC’s investigation, claiming Philippine authorities were already addressing the allegations, which they believed precluded ICC’s jurisdiction. However, after the ICC’s judges ruled that the enquiry could proceed, the current administration under President Ferdinand Marcos expressed readiness to extradite Duterte.
At a rally in Hong Kong on Monday, Mr. Duterte defended his controversial anti-narcotics policy while accompanied by his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte. He remarked, “Why did I do it? For myself? For my family? For you and your children, and for our nation.”
He further stated, “If this is truly my fate in life, it’s okay, I will accept it. They can arrest me, imprison me. What is my sin? I did everything in my time for peace and a peaceful life for the Filipino people.”
Mr. Duterte has previously rebuffed the ICC’s authority, asserting, “I’m asking the ICC to hurry up and come here and start the investigation tomorrow… this issue has been hanging for many years and I may already die.” He expressed his readiness to face punishment, declaring that if found guilty, he would accept prison life without hesitation.
The ICC, headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, has jurisdiction over grave crimes, including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, stepping in when national courts are unwilling or incapable of prosecuting offenders.
Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest by Interpol marks a significant moment regarding accountability for his administration’s controversial actions during the anti-drug campaign. The ICC’s allegations of crimes against humanity highlight the legal complexity surrounding the investigation and prosecution of high-ranking officials. Mr. Duterte’s comments reflect both his defiance against international scrutiny and his justification for his policies in the name of national peace. As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications for international law and human rights in the Philippines remain profound.
Original Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
