The Philippine Presidential Communications Office (PCO) confirmed that former President Rodrigo Duterte was detained by police upon his return to Manila on Tuesday. He was presented with an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his controversial “war on drugs” during his presidency. The ICC had been investigating whether Duterte’s actions violated human rights, and in 2021, the court formally began its investigation.
Duterte’s detention has sparked political reactions. Some, like his former legal counsel Atty. Salvador Panelo, argues that the arrest is illegal, claiming the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines. Duterte himself questioned his arrest, asking, “What is my crime?”
The arrest has raised tensions in the Philippines, especially as Duterte is preparing for a potential mayoral run in Davao City, with significant local support. The situation could further complicate the political landscape, with Senate members and Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, denouncing the arrest as an affront to national sovereignty.
The Philippine government has yet to take action regarding the arrest’s international implications, leaving the situation uncertain.
Source – CGTN
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