Former President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday addressed reports of an alleged arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying he did what was necessary to keep the country safe during his administration.
“Sa totoo lang ang balita ko may warrant daw ako sa ICC or something. Matagal na akong hinahabol ng ptng *na,” Duterte said during his speech in Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
(I heard that I supposedly have a warrant from the ICC. They’ve been after me for a long time.)
He maintained that his actions as president were aimed at ensuring peace and order in the country.
“Ano man ang kasalanan ko, ginawa ko ‘yun para magkaroon ng konting katahimikan at mapayapa ang buhay ng Pilipino,” he added.
(Whatever my sins may be, I did them to bring some peace and security to the Filipino people.)
The ICC has been investigating Duterte and other officials of his administration for alleged crimes against humanity linked to thousands of deaths in police anti-drug operations.
“Assuming na totoo talaga yung nairiring niyong ginawa ko. Para sa inyo at inyong mga anak sa ating bayan,” he said.
(Assuming the accusations against me are true—I did it for you, for your children, and for our country.)
According to government records, at least 6,000 drug suspects were killed in police operations during Duterte’s war on drugs. However, human rights groups estimate the total number of deaths to be as high as 30,000.
Duterte is in Hong Kong to attend a thanksgiving event for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Malacañang had said that it was ready amid speculations that the ICC had already issued a warrant of arrest against the former President.
In January this year, the Department of Justice (DOJ) expressed openness to engage with the ICC over its investigation into Duterte’s drug war.
The DOJ maintained that the Philippines has not changed its position as regards the ICC and the country’s withdrawal from it. However, if the ICC courses its requests through the Interpol, he said the government will certainly respond to it.
In October 2024, Duterte told a congressional hearing that he will take “full, legal responsibility” on the war on drugs despite being firm that he will not apologize for the campaign. — DVM, GMA Integrated News
