The Philippine Senate announced on Monday that it will conduct a thorough investigation following the recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was turned over to the International Criminal Court (ICC), where he is facing charges of committing crimes against humanity. Duterte, who is 79 years old, has been accused of being responsible for numerous murders during his lengthy campaign against drugs, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people, according to human rights organizations.

The Senate probe, which will include a public hearing on Thursday where top police and other government officials will testify, was initiated by Senator Imee Marcos. Imee Marcos, who is President Ferdinand Marcos’ sister and a close friend of Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasized the need for an urgent investigation into Duterte’s arrest, which has divided the nation. She stated that it is crucial to determine whether due process was followed and ensure that Duterte’s legal rights were protected. Marcos also emphasized the importance of upholding sovereignty and legal processes.

The reaction to Duterte’s arrest has been mixed. While some have hailed it as a positive move, others have expressed their discontent. Duterte’s lawyer, Salvador Medialdea, argued that the actions against his client were “pure and simple kidnapping.” However, rights groups and families of victims in Duterte’s anti-drugs campaign have welcomed the arrest. Duterte is the first Asian former head of state to be charged by the ICC, which relies on the cooperation of signatory states to execute its arrest warrants.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/philippine-senate-to-probe-duterte-arrest-handover-to-icc/a-71939559?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf