HONG KONG:  , Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte said in Hong Kong that he was ready for possible arrest amid reports the International Criminal Court ( ICC ) was poised to issue a warrant over his years-long “war on drugs” that killed thousands.
The “war on drugs” was the signature promotion plan that swept Duterte to strength in 2016 as a maverick, crime-busting mayor, who delivered on promises he made during vociferous speeches to eliminate thousands of narcotics dealers.
The office of the current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Monday ( Mar 10 ) no official communication had been received from Interpol yet, but indicated Duterte could be handed over.
” Our law officers are ready to pursue what laws dictates, if the warrant of arrest needs to be served because of a demand from Interpol”, Presidential Communications undersecretary Claire Castro told reporters.
It was not immediately clear how much Duterte may be in China-ruled Hong Kong– which is not a group to the ICC. Duterte was in the area to respond at a campaign rally attended by hundreds of Filipino laborers, hoping to raise support for his congressional candidates in upcoming Spanish midterm elections.
” Assuming it’s ( warrant ) true, why did I do it? For myself? For my home? For you and your kids, and for our society”, Duterte told the protest, justifying his terrible anti-narcotics strategy.
” If this is really my death in life, it’s fine, I will take it. They may jail me, imprison me.
” What is my crime? I did everything in my day for harmony and a peaceful life for the Filipino people, “he told the cheering crowds in Hong Kong’s city Southorn Stadium, appearing with his daughter, the Philippines Vice President Sara Duterte.