Richard Sanders
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte spoke to around 2,000 Filipinos during a political rally in Hong Kong yesterday. This unexpected visit occurs amid speculation that the International Criminal Court (ICC) may issue an arrest warrant against him.
Duterte and his daughter Sara Duterte, the current vice president, were the keynote speakers at the event held at Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai, promoting their political party’s senatorial candidates ahead of the May 12 midterm elections in the Philippines.
The area surrounding the stadium was filled with Filipino expatriates, many holding pictures of the former president and waving national flags.
During his speech, Duterte addressed the rumors regarding the ICC warrant, questioning, “What was my sin?” He defended his actions, stating, “I did everything in my time so Filipinos can have a little peace and tranquility.”
He 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,” reflecting on his situation at 79 years old.
According to a Facebook post by Filipino senator Bong Go, the rally also served as a thanksgiving event for overseas workers in Hong Kong.
Duterte was seen on Saturday at Lee Theatre Plaza in Causeway Bay, accompanied by approximately ten individuals, including bodyguards. He reportedly arrived in Hong Kong on Friday with his wife, former first lady Honeylet Avanceña, and daughter Veronica “Kitty” Duterte.
The ICC is investigating Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity related to thousands of deaths during his controversial anti-drug campaign from his tenure as Davao City mayor and president. Duterte has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding extrajudicial killings.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that Philippine law enforcement would be obligated to cooperate fully if the ICC requests custody of Duterte. Salvador Panelo, Duterte’s former chief presidential legal counsel, dismissed claims that the ex-president attempted to flee the country.
Additionally, the Zamboanga Peninsula Journal has been unable to verify any police mobilization or confirm any arrest warrant for Duterte, despite the circulating media reports in the Philippines.
