Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s trip to Hong Kong took place in March, with the added intrigue of possible legal actions against him. The International Criminal Court (ICC) had been investigating Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which included deadly measures during his tenure as president and mayor of Davao. There were speculations that Duterte might seek asylum in Hong Kong, as China is not a member of the ICC, to avoid arrest. However, Duterte was issued a sealed warrant by the ICC shortly after arriving in Hong Kong, which he later became aware of.

Duterte, along with his partner Honeylet Avanceña and daughter Sara Duterte, the current vice president, discussed whether to return to the Philippines or stay in China. However, Duterte’s lawyer denied that asylum was ever considered. Duterte’s public statements during the rally in Hong Kong suggested that he would accept arrest if it happened. His allies announced his return to the Philippines on Tuesday, but this was a ruse; five flights were booked to obfuscate their true plans. Instead of returning on Tuesday, Duterte landed in Manila around 9:30 AM, was detained soon after, and was eventually sent to The Hague to face trial.

This event marked a significant moment for the ICC and the relatives of the victims of Duterte’s drug war, offering a tangible step toward justice. It also impacted the presidency of the current leader, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., with protests from those accusing him of persecuting Duterte. Marcos acknowledged the gravity of the day, emphasizing the need to uphold international obligations despite domestic politics.

The process leading to Duterte’s arrest involved complex bureaucratic challenges, including securing international permissions for his transfer to The Hague. Duterte and his allies attempted to resist the arrest through legal means, arguing against the ICC’s jurisdiction in the Philippines. Despite these efforts, Duterte was eventually transferred to The Hague, marking a pivotal moment in international law and Philippine politics.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/20/world/asia/philippines-rodrigo-duterte-arrest.html