Torre: ‘No regrets’ over Rodrigo Duterte's ICC arrest

Former Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, instrumental in the arrest of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, said Monday he has no regrets about bringing the former leader to The Hague.

Nearly a year after Duterte’s high-profile arrest, Torre, now general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), reiterated that he was simply carrying out his official duties and had no personal motives in the operation.

"Hindi po. Wala ho. Ang sinabi ko kanina yun ay walang halong personal na motibo. Yun ay professional lang, utos ng batas at kailangan dapat gawin," Torre told Super Radyo dzBB.

(I have no regrets. Like I said, I had no personal motive. It was purely professional, part of my mandate.)

Duterte was arrested in Manila in March 2025 under an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

On Monday, the former president is scheduled for the confirmation of charges hearing before the tribunal’s Pre-Trial Chamber.

"Regarding sa confirmation hearings, malinaw sa atin na ito ay isang seryoso at formal na proseso ng batas at dapat ito ay igalang nating lahat," Torre said.

(Regarding the confirmation hearings, it is clear that this is a formal legal process and must be respected.)

He added, "Ang papel ko sa pag-aresto at pagpapadala kay Former President sa Hague, ginawa ko lang naman yun bilang pagtupad sa tungkulin -- professional, naayon sa batas, walang halong personal na motibo. Ang papel ko lang ay ipatupad ang batas at hindi husgahan ang kaso."

(My only role in the arrest and transfer of the former president to The Hague was to fulfill my duty — professional, in accordance with the law, with no personal motive. My role is to implement the law, not to judge the case.)

Torre also addressed the possibility of critics filing charges against him.

"They can file the appropriate charges, and many already have, but none have gained traction so far," he said.

"So I would like to believe that opinions should be respected, but substantiating them in court is an entirely different matter."

Duterte’s case at the ICC is set to proceed to the confirmation of charges stage on February 23.

The chamber’s three female judges will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that Duterte committed crimes against humanity, including murder and attempted murder.

If at least one charge is confirmed, the case will advance to the trial stage.—MCG, GMA Integrated News