Former President Duterte Arrested on ICC Warrant Linked to Drug…

Rodrigo Duterte, former President of the Philippines, has been arrested following an ICC warrant for crimes against humanity related to his drug war. His spokesperson denounced the arrest as unlawful, while activists hailed it as a significant moment for accountability. The situation raises questions about the Philippines’ cooperation with the ICC and the prospect of extradition.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested by local police following the issuance of a warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which accuses him of crimes against humanity linked to his controversial “war on drugs”. The 79-year-old was taken into custody upon his arrival at Manila airport from Hong Kong. Throughout his presidency from 2016 to 2022, thousands of fatalities were reported as part of his anti-drug campaign, yet he has not expressed regret for these actions.

Following his arrest, Duterte raised questions regarding the legality of the warrant, stating, “What crime [have] I committed?” His former spokesperson, Salvador Panelo, condemned the arrest as “unlawful”, pointing out that the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019. However, the ICC maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed prior to this withdrawal, indicating that it can still pursue investigations related to Duterte’s tenure.

Activists have described the arrest as a significant moment for victims of Duterte’s drug war. Peter Murphy, Chairperson of the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines, remarked, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but today, it has bent towards justice. Duterte’s arrest is the beginning of accountability for the mass killings that defined his brutal rule.”

Duterte had been in Hong Kong to support his campaign for the upcoming May 12 elections, where he intended to run for mayor of Davao. Despite appearing in good health, he was seen using a cane as he negotiated through the airport. Addressing expatriates, he asserted that he had worked towards peace during his presidency: “What is my sin? I did everything in my time for peace and a peaceful life for the Filipino people.”

A video released by his daughter, Veronica Duterte, captured him in custody, where he continued to question the motives behind his arrest: “What is the law and what is the crime that I committed? I was brought here not of my own volition, it is somebody else’s. You have to answer now for the deprivation of liberty.”

Duterte’s tenure as mayor of Davao involved a notable crackdown on crime, allowing him to present himself as a formidable anti-establishment figure during the 2016 presidential elections. His hardline approach led to over 6,000 deaths, with rights organizations suggesting that the actual toll may be significantly higher, mostly affecting young, impoverished urban males.

Numerous allegations surfaced regarding systemic abuses, with investigations highlighting a secretive “death squad” targeting alleged drug offenders. Duterte has consistently denied these accusations, asserting his commitment to combating drugs: “Do not question my policies because I offer no apologies, no excuses. I did what I had to do, and whether or not you believe it… I did it for my country. I hate drugs, make no mistake about it.”

The ICC began investigation into alleged abuses in 2016, focusing on events from November 2011 until March 2019, when the Philippines formally withdrew from the court. Despite his controversies, Duterte remains a popular figure within the country, noted for his appeal outside Metro Manila and often using Cebuano in his addresses. His political lineage continues through his daughter, current Vice President Sara Duterte, who is viewed as a potential presidential candidate in the future.

With the recent deterioration of the alliance between the Duterte family and current President Ferdinand Marcos, it remains unclear if Marcos will authorize Duterte’s extradition to stand trial in The Hague, despite earlier resistance to cooperating with the ICC.

The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte marks a pivotal moment in the Philippine legal and political landscape, as it brings to the forefront allegations of crimes against humanity linked to his ‘war on drugs’. While Duterte maintains his innocence, his actions have resulted in widespread condemnation from human rights activists. The ICC’s continued jurisdiction in the matter underscores the complexities of international law and national sovereignty. As the situation unfolds, the implications for accountability and justice remain to be fully realized.

Original Source: risingnepaldaily.com