Ex-President Duterte ‘taken away’ by authorities in Manila after HK arrival – lawyer

Metro Manila, Philippines — Former President Rodrigo Duterte has been “taken away” by Philippine authorities shortly after his arrival from Hong Kong on Tuesday, March 11, his lawyer said. This comes amid the supposed International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant issued due to his bloody war on drugs.

In a statement, the Palace said the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) Manila received an official copy of ICC’s arrest warrant early Tuesday morning.

An ICC arrest warrant is usually enforced via an Interpol Red Notice, which alerts authorities in all member countries to locate and “provisionally arrest” the subject upon contact.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and former labor chief Silvestre Bello, who were present during Duterte’s arrival, said the former chief executive was arrested but insisted that they have not seen an arrest warrant.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Marbil, cited by Bello, said Duterte will be brought to Camp Crame.

PNP earlier tightened security at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after former spokesperson Harry Roque revealed Duterte’s flight details on Facebook.

Duterte was on an unannounced trip to Hong Kong when reports about his arrest warrant from ICC surfaced on Sunday.

The Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC refused to comment on the reported issuance of an arrest warrant against the ex-president but ICC Assistant to Counsel Kristina Conti said it has long been anticipated.

READ: ICC mum on Duterte arrest warrant reports, investigation ongoing

ICC has been investigating Duterte and his administration’s top officials for crimes against humanity over the alleged drug war deaths during his term.

This is a developing story.