Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines fulfilled its legal and international obligations in turning over former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) following an arrest warrant for crimes against humanity, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in a late-night address on Tuesday, March 11.

Marcos clarified that Duterte’s arrest was in line with the country’s commitment to the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

“Interpol asked for help, and we obliged because we have commitments to the Interpol which we have to fulfill. If we don’t do that, they will not – they will no longer help us with other cases involving Filipino fugitives abroad,” said Marcos.

He stressed that while the government maintains its position of non-cooperation with the ICC, its obligation to Interpol is a separate matter.

“We do not do this because it derived from or it came from ICC, we did this because Interpol has asked us to do it and we have commitments to them and we live up to those commitments,” Marcos said.

Marcos also anticipated that Duterte’s supporters would frame the arrest as political persecution.

“But this case started in 2017 when we were still members of the ICC and it was during the time of former president Duterte. So, I don’t see how that can be political persecution on my part because it was initiated before I even came into the picture. But once again, we have to recognize, of course, it’s natural for people na lalagyan ng kulay ng politika pero sinsundan lang natin yung Interpol,” he added.

Duterte was placed in government custody at Villamor Air Base after arriving from Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific flight No. CX 907 at 9:20 a.m. on Tuesday, accompanied by his common-law wife, Honeylet Avanceña, and members of his entourage.

Hours later, the plane carrying Duterte departed Manila for The Hague, Netherlands, where he is set to face trial.