International Criminal Court Serves Arrest Warrant to Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte
Duterte Served with Arrest Warrant at Manila’s Main Airport
MANILA: Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was served an Interpol arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) on his arrival at Manila’s main airport on Tuesday, the government said.
ICC Investigation into "War on Drugs"
The ICC has said it would pursue an investigation of suspected crimes against humanity related to Duterte’s role in overseeing a bloody "war on drugs" that killed thousands of Filipinos.
Duterte’s Reaction
Duterte had said on Monday in Hong Kong that he was ready to be arrested if the ICC issued a warrant and has repeatedly defended the anti-drugs crackdown. He has denied ordering police to kill drug suspects unless in self-defense.
Government Response
The office of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said it received an official copy of the warrant, which was served on Duterte by police. Duterte was now in custody, it said in a statement.
Legal Challenge
Duterte’s former legal counsel Salvador Panelo said the arrest was unlawful, and said the police did not allow one of his lawyers to meet Duterte at the airport.
Background
The "war on drugs" was the signature campaign policy that swept Duterte to power in 2016 as a maverick, crime-busting mayor, who delivered on promises he made during vitriolic speeches to kill thousands of narcotics dealers.
Killing and Mysterious Circumstances
According to police, 6,200 suspects were killed during anti-drug operations that they say ended in shootouts. But activists say the real toll of the crackdown was far greater, with thousands of slumland drug users, many of whom were included on official "watch lists", killed in mysterious circumstances.
Police Denials
Police deny involvement in those killings and reject allegations from rights groups of systematic executions and cover-ups.
Conclusion
The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte marks a significant development in the International Criminal Court’s investigation into the Philippine government’s "war on drugs". The ICC’s move has been met with both support and criticism, with some seeing it as a long-overdue attempt to hold the Philippine government accountable for the thousands of deaths that have occurred during the campaign. However, others have raised concerns about the ICC’s jurisdiction and the legal implications of the arrest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the International Criminal Court’s investigation about?
A: The ICC is investigating the Philippine government’s "war on drugs" and alleged crimes against humanity committed during the campaign.
Q: What is the significance of the arrest warrant?
A: The arrest warrant marks a significant development in the ICC’s investigation and could lead to Duterte’s detention and possible trial.
Q: What is the Philippine government’s response to the arrest warrant?
A: The government has said it received an official copy of the warrant and that Duterte is now in custody.