Hong Kong: Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has stated he is prepared for a possible arrest following reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) may soon issue a warrant over his controversial anti-drug campaign.
Speaking at a political rally in Hong Kong, Duterte defended his administration’s aggressive crackdown on illegal drugs, which resulted in thousands of deaths. The campaign, launched during his presidency in 2016, was central to his political rise as a tough-on-crime leader.
The office of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Monday that authorities had not yet received any official communication from Interpol. However, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro indicated that law enforcement agencies were prepared to act if an arrest warrant was issued.
"If the warrant needs to be served due to an Interpol request, our law enforcers are ready to follow the law," Castro told reporters.
Duterte's duration of stay in Hong Kong, which is under Chinese jurisdiction and not a member of the ICC, remains unclear. He traveled there to support his senatorial candidates ahead of the Philippine midterm elections, addressing thousands of overseas Filipino workers at Southorn Stadium in downtown Hong Kong.
At the rally, Duterte defended his war on drugs, saying his actions were for the benefit of the Filipino people.
"If an arrest warrant exists, so be it. I accept my fate," he declared. "What was my crime? I did what I had to do for peace and for our country."
The former leader appeared alongside his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, as crowds cheered in support. Meanwhile, a Hong Kong police VIP protection unit was seen near Duterte’s hotel, though authorities have not commented on his security arrangements.
The Philippine government has dismissed speculation that Duterte may be attempting to avoid legal consequences by traveling to Hong Kong. Officials have urged his supporters to respect the legal process.
Duterte has previously dismissed the ICC’s investigation, urging the court to proceed quickly and expressing no fear of its findings. He withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019 after the court began examining reports of extrajudicial killings under his administration. However, recent indications suggest that the Philippines may cooperate with aspects of the ICC’s probe.
