Rodrigo Duterte on alleged ICC warrant: ‘I will deal with it as a lawyer’

Former President Rodrigo Duterte said Tuesday he is ready to face the warrant of arrest allegedly issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his controversial war on drugs, stressing that he would face it directly as a lawyer and would not escape in another country. 

In an exclusive interview with GMA Integrated News’ Marisol Abdurahman, Duterte answered the question if he would appear should he be summoned by the ICC. 

“I would say that not really appear or non-appearance, but I will deal with the problem directly as a lawyer. Gagamitin ko na ‘yung pagka-abogado ko [I will act as a lawyer],” the former Philippine leader said. 

Duterte also maintained that he regrets nothing of what he did when he was President.

He also allayed concerns that he went to Hong Kong over the weekend allegedly to evade the arrest warrant. He is expected to return to the Philippines on Tuesday. 

“Susmaryosep. Mas lalo akong mahuli dito (sa Hong Kong). I am here as a visitor. We do not enjoy any privileges here. Saka kung magtago ako, hindi ako magtago sa ibang lugar. Diyan ako sa Pilipinas. Diyan mo ako hindi makita,” Duterte said. 

(The possibility of me getting caught is bigger here in Hong Kong. I am here as a visitor. We do not enjoy any privileges here. Besides, if ever I hide, I won't hide anywhere else. I will hide in the Philippines. You won't see me there.) 

On Sunday, the Duterte patriarch said he heard reports that he already has a warrant of arrest from the ICC. He, however, maintained that he did what was necessary to keep the country safe during his administration.

The ICC Office of the Prosecutor has refused to comment on the alleged arrest warrant against the former Philippine leader, who implemented the bloody war on drugs.

Despite this, Malacañang has ensured readiness on any eventuality in relation to the rumor.

The Palace also said Monday that it has not received any information regarding the alleged Interpol Red Notice against Rodrigo Duterte.

The ICC has been investigating Duterte and other top officials of his administration for crimes against humanity over the alleged systematic drug war deaths in police operations.

These deaths reached around 6,000 based on police records, but human rights groups contend that the deaths were as much as 30,000, including vigilante killings.—Giselle Ombay/AOL, GMA Integrated News