Duterte: I got news I have a warrant from ICC

Former President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday addressed reports of an alleged arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying he did what was necessary to keep the country safe during his administration.

“Nakita ninyo na patong-patong ang kaso ko. Eh sa totoo lang, baka ... Ang balita ko may warrant daw ako... Hindi, totoo. 'Yung sa ICC or something. Matagal na akong hinahabol ng mga ptng *na,” Duterte said during his speech in Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

(You have seen that cases have been filed against me one after the other. I heard that I supposedly have a warrant. No, it's true. From the ICC or something. They’ve been after me for a long time.)

He maintained that his actions as president were aimed at ensuring peace and order in the country.

"Ano man ang kasalanan ko, ginawa ko ‘yun para magkaroon ng konting katahimikan at mapayapa ang buhay ng Pilipino," he added.

(Whatever my sins may be, I did them to bring some peace and security to the Filipino people.)

The ICC has been investigating Duterte and other officials of his administration for alleged crimes against humanity linked to thousands of deaths in police anti-drug operations.

“Assuming na totoo, totoo talaga 'yung naririnig ninyo, bakit ko ginawa 'yan? Para sa sarili ko? Para sa pamilya ko? Para sa inyo at inyong mga anak,” he said.

(Assuming the accusations against me are true, then why did I do it? For me? For my family? I did it for you, and your children.)

Duterte then said he is accepting the ICC action, if true.

"Okay lang, tatanggapin ko 'yan. Eh wala tayong magawa eh. Eh hulihin tayo, ikulong tayo. Kaya lang ah... Meantime mag-contribute kayo maski 5 dollars, 10 dollars para paglabas ko sa presohan, pagawa niyo ako monumento katabi ni (Jose) Rizal. Si Rizal may hawak na libro eh. Akin (cradles face)," he told the crowd.

(That is okay. I will accept that. There's nothing we can do. They can arrest me and put me in jail. But ah... Meantime, you contribute even 5 dollars, 10 dollars so when I get released from prison, you can build me a monument beside Rizal. Rizal was holding a book. I just have me.)

According to government records, at least 6,000 drug suspects were killed in police operations during Duterte's war on drugs. However, human rights groups estimate the total number of deaths to be as high as 30,000.

Duterte is in Hong Kong to attend a thanksgiving event for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Former presidential chief legal counsel Salvador Panelo denied allegations that the former President was trying to escape while out of the country.

“Fake news. FPRRD and VP Sara are here to speak before a gathering of OFWs to express their thanks for their continued support,” Panelo told GMA News Online.

As to when the father and daughter would return to Manila, Panelo said, “very soon.”

However, ICC Assistant to Counsel and the Secretary-General of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers-National Capital Region Attorney Kristina Conti said the issuance of the warrant had yet to be confirmed.

"Also, waiting for Karim Khan's/ICC's official confirmation if a warrant has been issued and already transmitted to the Philippine government," said Conti.

Meanwhile, Malacañang said that it was ready should the ICC issue a warrant of arrest against the former President, though Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro clarified that there was no confirmation yet on the issuance of the arrest warrant.

“But as what ES [Executive Secretary Lucas] Bersamin and SOJ [Secretary of Justice] said before, if Interpol will ask the necessary assistance from the government, it will provide,” she said.

In a statement to reporters, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said, "We have not received any notice or communication from the ICC regarding the matter."

"Our Department of Foreign Affairs is the official entry point for any such notice or communication as a matter of diplomatic courtesy," he added.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the House Quad Committee investigating Duterte's war on drugs have also not received any information about the alleged ICC arrest warrant, according to a report by Dano Tingcungco on Unang Balita on Monday.

"No info, Sir," PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Randulf Tuaño said.

In January this year, the Department of Justice (DOJ) expressed openness to engage with the ICC over its investigation into Duterte's drug war.

The DOJ maintained that the Philippines has not changed its position as regards the ICC and the country’s withdrawal from it. However, if the ICC courses its requests through the Interpol, he said the government will certainly respond to it.

In October 2024, Duterte told a congressional hearing that he will take “full, legal responsibility” on the war on drugs despite being firm that he will not apologize for the campaign. — DVM/KG, GMA Integrated News