Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, made an unexpected trip to Hong Kong on Sunday, raising speculation about whether he was trying to avoid a potential arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The warrant would relate to extrajudicial killings allegedly committed during his war on drugs while in office.
Duterte, 79, and his daughter, current Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, headlined a campaign rally at Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, for senatorial candidates from his political party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino, ahead of the Philippine midterm elections on May 12.
During his speech, Duterte addressed the reports of a possible ICC arrest warrant, repeating that he was ready to be jailed if it was issued.
“If that’s my fate, that’s fine. I will accept it. We can’t do anything if I’m arrested or imprisoned,” he told the Filipino supporters.
The ICC is investigating the numerous killings by police and other armed individuals during Duterte’s anti-drug campaign from 2016 to 2022. The campaign left thousands dead, mainly from poor communities, as he sought to fulfill his promises.
While president, Duterte also took legal action against a journalist for reporting that scrutinized the government’s killings.
Duterte has denied authorizing extrajudicial killings, but he did openly and repeatedly threaten suspected drug dealers while in office.
“What was my sin?” Duterte asked during his Hong Kong speech. “I did everything in my time, so Filipinos can have a little peace and tranquility.”
He jokingly suggested the crowd make small donations for a monument of him holding a gun.
According to a senior Philippine official, the former president was scheduled to return to Manila on Tuesday, but another official suggested he might extend his stay in Hong Kong.
The administration of current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is prepared for any situation arising from an ICC arrest warrant, according to presidential communications secretary Jay Ruiz.
“We’ve heard that an arrest warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court against former President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity,” Ruiz stated. “The government is prepared for any eventuality.”
In Davao, Duterte’s home city in the southern Philippines, police have increased security at the international airport and are monitoring new checkpoints. Police told reporters that the measures were intended to ensure law enforcement could handle any possible scenarios.
Duterte previously held various positions in Davao, including mayor, vice mayor, and member of the House of Representatives. He also led the Davao City Liberal Party from 2009 to 2015.
Marcos Jr. has stated that Philippine authorities would be required to fully cooperate if the ICC seeks Duterte’s arrest.
Established in 2002, the ICC serves as a court of last resort for the most serious international crimes, including genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. The ICC intervenes when countries are unable or unwilling to prosecute crimes domestically.
Approximately 125 countries have ratified the Rome Statute, the court’s foundational treaty. However, China, which governs Hong Kong, is not a signatory.
Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, a move that activists claimed was intended to avoid accountability and prevent an international investigation into the government-sanctioned killings. Nevertheless, the ICC retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the country was a member, meaning Duterte could still be held accountable for potential crimes committed during the first half of his presidency.