Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, where he returned from Hong Kong on Tuesday.
The arrest comes from a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and accused him of being a crime against humanity related to his offensive anti-drug campaign during his presidency.
Duterte’s tenure from 2016 to 2022 was marked by a ruthless war with drugs known as “Oplan Tokhang.” An essential campaign to drive the nation away the drug tragedy.
Human rights groups have almost all recorded 1,400 suspicious murders Rodrigo Duterte served as mayor in Davao for 22 years.
Additionally, more than 6,200 individuals are allegedly killed in police operations based on his anti-drug campaign.
Despite international criticism, Duterte remained unshakable and insisted that his actions were necessary to ensure the safety and security of the Filipinos.
By October 2016, around 732,000 people had surrendered to the authorities, overwhelming management and urged the construction of more rehabilitation centres. By March 2022, the number of surrenders had exceeded 1 million.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) launched a preliminary examination of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign in early 2018, focusing on alleged crimes against humanity.
In response, Duterte announced its withdrawal from the Philippines from the ICC in March 2018.
Despite the withdrawal, the ICC maintained jurisdiction over crimes committed while the Philippines was a member, particularly from November 1, 2011 to March 16, 2019.
On September 15, 2021, the ICC granted a formal investigation into alleged crimes during Duterte’s tenure.
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Before his arrest, Duterte traveled to Hong Kong where he addressed a gathering of expatriates in the Philippines.
In his speech, he acknowledged the possibility of an ICC arrest warrant, but argued that his actions were in the country’s greatest interests.
“If you kill me now, it won’t scare me a bit. I’m not grateful, but I’m happy to finally rest. If they want to arrest me, I’ll go to them. I’ve never seen them hidden like that. I was the president, so who do you hide from? Police? Army? Who? ICC? I’ve been waiting for it for a long time. Crimes against humanity? Even those killed by Hitler, add them to the list or add unsolved massacres around the world.
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In another statement, former presidential legal counsel Atty. Salvador Panero branded the arrest as illegal.
“It’s an illegal arrest. The PNP didn’t allow one of his lawyers to meet him at the airport.
“He was taken away from his legal representation at the time of his arrest,” Panero added. “The PNP could not have a hard copy of the warrant arrest.”
He was arrested for not allowing one of Duterte’s lawyers to meet him. [officer] You can avoid being asked if you have a hard copy of your arrest warrant.
“The ICC’s arrest warrant is an illegal arrest because it comes from the ICC, a false source of information that has no jurisdiction over the Philippines,” Panero said.
A former Duterte spokesman also said the government’s actions would be an arrest team and a civil servant who ordered the responsibility for the arrest.
Understanding the ICC Stopping Procedure
ICCFounded under Roman law in 2002, the world’s first permanent international court tasked with prosecuting individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and invasion crimes.
Arrested and transferred to ICC custody
Once the suspect is arrested under an ICC warrant, the individual will be transferred to the ICC detention centre in The Hague, Netherlands. The ICC relies on member states to execute arrest warrants and to facilitate the transfer of suspects to custody.
First proceedings in court
Upon arriving at the ICC detention center, the suspect will undergo initial proceedings in front of the chamber before trial. This includes the initial appearance hearing where the charges are read and where the suspect’s rights are explained. Chamber also addresses issues related to legal representation and conditions of detention for suspects.
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Following the initial appearance, the pre-trial chamber will confirm the accusation hearing. At this stage, the prosecutor will present evidence that establishes substantial basis for believing that the suspect has committed a suspected crime. Defense can challenge evidence and present itself. If the claim is confirmed, the case proceeds to court. Otherwise, the suspect could be released. になったんです。 English: The first thing you can do is to find the best one to do.
Court proceedings
At trial, the prosecutor and defense present their case before trial. The prosecution must prove the suspect’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Defenses can cross-examine witnesses and present evidence. Victims may also participate in lawsuits. The judge will then deliberate and issue a verdict.
Potential consequences
If convicted, the suspect could be sentenced to prison for a length of gravity-dependent sentence. The ICC does not impose the death penalty. Convicted individuals are sentenced to prison in a country agreed with the ICC. If acquitted, the individual will be released immediately.
In recent developments, the ICC has issued arrest warrants to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Joab Gallant, claiming criminal liability for war crimes and crimes committed in the Gaza Strip since October 2023.
