Duterte’s Surprising Hong Kong Visit Fuels Arrest Warrant Speculations

HONG KONG — An unannounced visit by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to Hong Kong has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation that he may be attempting to evade a potential arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding his controversial anti-drug campaign.

Duterte, along with his daughter, incumbent Vice President Sara Duterte, was a key speaker at a political rally held on Sunday at the Southorn Stadium in the bustling Wan Chai district. The rally aimed to support senatorial candidates from their political party ahead of the May 12 midterm elections in the Philippines. An estimated 2,000 Filipino expatriates congregated at the stadium, waving flags and displaying photos of the former president.

During his speech, Duterte referred to ongoing news reports about the ICC potentially issuing an arrest warrant against him. “What was my sin?” he queried the crowd. “I did everything in my time so Filipinos can have a little peace and tranquility.” The former president, who is now 79 years old and reportedly in frail health, added, “If this is my fate in life, it’s OK, I’ll accept it. I can’t do anything if I get arrested and jailed.”

Sara Duterte, alongside her father, was seen engaging with the enthusiastic attendees, further solidifying their political presence among overseas Filipinos. The rally also served as a thanksgiving event for the Filipino workforce in Hong Kong, according to a Facebook post by Senator Bong Go.

Reports indicate that Duterte was spotted at Lee Theatre Plaza in Causeway Bay on Saturday before the rally, accompanied by several individuals, including bodyguards. On Friday, he arrived in Hong Kong with his wife, former First Lady Honeylet Avanceña, and their daughter, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte.

The ICC has been investigating Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity associated with thousands of killings that occurred during his presidency, particularly during the anti-drug campaign from 2016 to 2022. While Duterte has denied authorizing extrajudicial killings, the Philippine government has signaled its readiness to cooperate with the ICC if it seeks to detain him.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that law enforcement agencies would comply with any ICC request concerning Duterte’s custody. Salvador Panelo, a former chief presidential legal counsel under Duterte, dismissed the notion that the ex-president was attempting to flee the country.