Presidential Communications Office Confirms Arrest of Ex-Pres. Rodrigo Duterte over ICC Warrant
RODRIGO DUTERTE – The Presidential Communications Office issued a statement confirming the arrest of the former President who just arrived from Hong Kong.
Over the weekend, rumors that an arrest warrant against former Pres. Duterte were circulating on social media. The former Chief Executive recently flew to Hong Kong for the thanksgiving event of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC).
The thanksgiving event was supposedly a leg of the campaign rallies of the PDP-Laban bets but the authorities in Hong Kong did not allow them to campaign in a public assembly. Not only the former President was there but as well as Vice Pres. Sara Duterte.
At the event, former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte reacted to the rumored arrest warrant against him by the ICC. According to him, the court was after him for a long time already and he only did what he did as president to ensure the peace and safety in his country.
Previously, the former President said he is not impressed by the capabilities of the ICC as the court was not able to imprison anyone. He also told the ICC to hurry up and investigate him as he might die without being probed by them.
Malacañang previously said that they will not stop nor support the ICC in the event that it will investigate the former President. Amid the rumors of a warrant of arrest, the Palace previously said that the Philippine government is “obliged to follow” in case the Interpol will ask for some “necessary assistance”.
Recently, former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte arrived from Hong Kong. However, shortly after his arrival, there were rumors that the former Chief Executive was served with a warrant of arrest by the authorities.
Through a statement, the PCO confirmed that the PNP served the arrest warrant against former Pres. Duterte. The Interpol Manila received a copy of the arrest warrant from the ICC at dawn today.
Based on the statement posted on the official Facebook account of the PCO, former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and his group were checked by the doctor to ensure that they are in a good state of health. The PNP authorities that served the warrant also wore a body camera.
Based on the post, former Pres. Duterte is currently in the custody of the authorities.
Before he disembarked the plane this morning when he arrived from Hong Kong, former Pres. Duterte even spoke about his looming arrest.