Philippines arrests former Pres. Duterte on alleged humanity crimes

KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 (KUNA) -- Philippines authorities arrested, late Tuesday, former president Rodrigo Duterte upon his arrival at Manila International Airport from Hong Kong on warrant issued by International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged crimes against humanity. Philippine presidential office confirmed in a statement that Interpol's Manila office received a warrant early Tuesday, as Duterte is currently in custody with government doctors monitoring his health.
Meanwhile, local media broadcasted a video of Duterte questioned under what law and for what crime he had been arrested.
Ex-chief presidential legal counsel and spokesperson Salvador Panelo described the action as "unlawful arrest" arguing that the ICC "lacks jurisdiction over the Philippines," which withdrew from the court in 2019 on Duterte's instructions.
In 2021 the ICC launched an investigation into claims that Duterte oversaw "mass killings" during his so-called "war on drugs", which resulted in deaths of thousands of people according to police records.
Although the investigation was suspended previously, its resumed las year after the ICC rejected Manila's objections to its jurisdiction.
President Ferdinand Marcos' administration stated it will not cooperate with the ICC, however, Undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Claire Castro explained that the government is obliged to comply with any request from Interpol.
Despite his arrest, the 79 former president remains significant figure in Philippine politics, with reports suggesting he may run for mayor of Davao Province in upcoming elections. (end) aab.sar