Hong Kong – Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made a surprise visit to Hong Kong, and many people started wondering if he was trying to avoid a possible arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC has been investigating the thousands of deaths that happened during his war on drugs when he was president.
Why Is Duterte in Hong Kong?
Duterte didn’t say he was escaping. Instead, he went to Hong Kong to support candidates from his political party who are running for senator in the upcoming Philippine elections on May 12. He wasn’t alone—his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, was with him.
The event took place in Southorn Stadium, a huge sports arena in Wan Chai, one of Hong Kong’s busiest areas. Thousands of excited Filipino supporters filled the stadium, waving flags and cheering for Duterte. Many were thrilled to see the former president in person.
Duterte Talks About the ICC Arrest Warrant
During his speech, Duterte used a lot of strong and angry words—just like he always does. He talked about news reports that the ICC might issue a warrant for his arrest. But instead of being scared, he laughed it off and told the crowd he was ready to go to jail.
“What was my sin?” Duterte asked the audience. “I did everything so Filipinos could have a peaceful life.”
He even joked about building a monument of himself, asking his supporters to donate money for it. He said the statue should show him holding a gun—something that made his audience laugh.
Why Does the ICC Want to Arrest Duterte?
The International Criminal Court is investigating the war on drugs that Duterte started when he was president from 2016 to 2022. Many police officers and unknown gunmen killed people suspected of selling or using illegal drugs. Most of the victims were poor Filipinos, and human rights groups say many were killed without a fair trial.
Duterte always said he never ordered police to kill people illegally, but at the same time, he often threatened drug suspects with death while he was in office.
Will the Philippines Help the ICC?
Current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said that if the ICC officially asks for Duterte’s arrest, Philippine law enforcement would have to cooperate. This means that if the ICC finds Duterte guilty, the government might have no choice but to hand him over.
For now, Duterte remains free, but with the ICC’s investigation ongoing, many are watching to see what happens next.
