Former President Duterte Arrested on ICC Warrant for Drug War Crimes
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested based on an ICC warrant for crimes against humanity linked to his deadly drug campaign. The ICC maintains jurisdiction over actions prior to the Philippines’ withdrawal in 2019. Activists hailed the arrest as a historical moment for justice, while Duterte questioned the legality of the warrant. Relations between the current administration and the Duterte family remain complicated.
Philippine authorities have detained former President Rodrigo Duterte following a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which accuses him of crimes against humanity related to his notorious ‘war on drugs.’ The arrest occurred as he returned to Manila from Hong Kong. Duterte, who governed from 2016 to 2022, did not express remorse for the thousands of killings that transpired during his administration and questioned the legality of the warrant against him.
Former spokesperson Salvador Panelo criticized the arrest, deeming it “unlawful” since the Philippines had withdrawn from the ICC in 2019. However, the ICC asserts that its jurisdiction remains intact concerning offenses committed before the withdrawal. Activists celebrated the arrest, viewing it as a pivotal moment for justice for victims of Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which has been described as brutal and lacking accountability.
Duterte was campaigning for the May 12 local elections in Hong Kong prior to his arrest. Authorities reported that he is in “good health” and is receiving medical attention. In his remarks upon being taken into custody, Duterte reiterated his commitment to peace: “What is my sin? I did everything in my time for peace and a peaceful life for the Filipino people.”
As mayor of Davao for 22 years prior to his presidency, Duterte was celebrated for reducing street crime but also associated with a rise in deadly encounters targeting alleged drug offenders. Rights groups claim that over 6,000 deaths occurred in the drug crackdown, often affecting marginalized groups, raising questions about the campaign’s effectiveness and priorities. Investigations revealed that many victims were unjustly targeted without substantive evidence.
The ICC commenced its examination of alleged abuses in 2016 and initiated an official inquiry in 2021, spanning from November 2011 to March 2019. Despite the accusations, Duterte continues to enjoy a significant following in the Philippines, partly due to his representation of the Mindanao region and his distinctive communication style. Allies within his family, such as Vice President Sara Duterte, maintain political influence, while relations between the Duterte family and current President Ferdinand Marcos have become increasingly strained, complicating the issue of cooperation with the ICC.
The political landscape remains uncertain regarding whether the Philippines will extradite Duterte for trial in The Hague, reflecting an ongoing tension in governance and accountability for past actions.
In conclusion, the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte represents a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings concerning his administration’s controversial ‘war on drugs.’ Activists view this move as a critical step toward justice for victims, whereas Duterte and his supporters assert the arrest is unwarranted due to the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC. The potential for further legal and political ramifications continues to unfold, underlining complexities within the Philippine governance landscape.
Original Source: risingnepaldaily.com
