MANILA, Philippines – Former President Rodrigo Duterte is now in police custody following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Duterte returned to the Philippines on Tuesday morning and was immediately taken into custody by authorities.
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| Photo courtesy: Facebook/Rodrigo Duterte |
In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) confirmed that the arrest warrant, which had been issued by the ICC, was received by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) Manila earlier on Tuesday.
Duterte arrived in the country aboard Cathay Pacific flight CX 907 from Hong Kong, touching down at 9:20 a.m. Upon his arrival, the Prosecutor General presented the official ICC notification confirming the warrant for Duterte’s arrest, according to the PCO.
The former president faces charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his controversial and bloody war on drugs during his administration.
Despite the legal circumstances, the PCO assured the public that the 79-year-old Duterte is in good health.
“Ang dating Pangulo at ang kanyang grupo ay nasa mabuting kalusugan at sinuri ng mga doctor ng gobyerno. Sinigurado na siya ay nasa maayos na kalagayan (The former president and his team are in good health and are being examined by a government doctor. His good health was ensured),” the PCO said.
In accordance with protocol, the Philippine National Police (PNP) officers who enforced the warrant were equipped with body cameras to ensure transparency throughout the operation, as confirmed by the PCO.
Earlier, the Philippine government had stated its refusal to cooperate with the ICC investigation into Duterte’s war on drugs. However, authorities emphasized that the country remains obligated to comply with its international commitments, particularly in relation to Interpol.
Senator Bong Go’s statement on Duterte’s health
Senator Bong Go emphasized the importance of promptly attending to the health of the former president, who is approaching his 80s. He urged those in charge at Villamor Airbase to allow medical personnel to attend to Duterte immediately.
“Napakahalaga na masilip agad-agad ng kanyang mga doktor si dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na halos 80-anyos na,” Senator Go said. He made a request to the authorities at Villamor Airbase to allow Duterte’s doctors, medical equipment, and an ambulance to enter so that the former president's health could be closely monitored.
Senator Go also reminded the public to pray for Duterte’s well-being. “Patuloy din ang paalala ko sa mga kababayan natin na ipagdasal si Tatay Digong. Ang mahalaga, maging maayos ang kalusugan nito,” he added.
— The Summit Express
