The Philippine government has defended the arrest and transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC), with officials stating that they complied with an Interpol request. Duterte, who faces murder charges as a crime against humanity over his “war on drugs” policy, was arrested last week and sent to The Hague for trial.
The government’s decision to hand Duterte over to the ICC has triggered backlash among his supporters, family, and allies, who argue that the arrest was illegal and that the ICC no longer has jurisdiction in the Philippines. Duterte has denied ordering extrajudicial killings, but his daughter, Sara Duterte, claims that her father’s apprehension is “patently an illegal arrest” orchestrated by the administration to target political opponents.
Philippine officials have stated that the transfer was made at the request of Interpol and that the ICC does not have authority over the Philippines. However, critics argue that the government is trying to avoid accountability for Duterte’s alleged crimes. The ICC has jurisdiction to prosecute alleged crimes that took place prior to a member’s withdrawal from the court.
Duterte will appear before the ICC’s pre-trial chamber on March 14 and remains in custody, with his next appearance scheduled for September. His supporters have petitioned the Supreme Court arguing that the arrest was illegal and seeking to reverse the decision.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippines-defends-ex-president-dutertes-transfer-icc-senate-inquiry-2025-03-20