China warns ICC against ‘politicization’ over Duterte’s arrest

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte. ARCHIVE

China has warned the International Criminal Court (ICC) against "politicization" and "double standards" after former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in Manila on Tuesday (March 11) and transported to The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity. The arrest followed an official ICC warrant linked to Duterte’s deadly war on drugs. The former president, who led the country from 2016 to 2022, has denied any wrongdoing, claiming his policies were aimed at protecting Filipinos from illegal narcotics. "China has noted the relevant information and is closely monitoring the development of the situation," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning in a press briefing on Tuesday. Beijing has historically maintained close ties with Duterte, who pursued warmer relations with China during his presidency despite ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Duterte transported to The Hague

Duterte, 79, was taken into custody at Ninoy Aquino International Airport upon his arrival from Hong Kong. The Philippine government confirmed that he was placed on a chartered flight to the Netherlands late in the evening. Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo has condemned the arrest as unlawful, claiming Duterte was "deprived of legal representation." "The Philippine National Police did not allow one of Duterte’s lawyers to meet him at the airport to question the legal basis of his arrest," Panelo said. "It is an illegal arrest because the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines." President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. defended the government’s actions, emphasizing that the arrest was in line with international obligations. "Interpol asked for help, and we obliged," Marcos said during a press conference on Tuesday. "This is what the international community expects of us." Despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC in 2019, the tribunal maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the country was still a member. Duterte, in a video posted by his daughter Veronica, questioned the legitimacy of the ICC’s authority. "What crime have I committed?" he asked. "If I committed a sin, prosecute me in Philippine courts, with Filipino judges, and I will allow myself to be jailed in my own nation."

Public reaction and security measures

The arrest has sparked debates in the Philippines, with Duterte’s supporters launching a petition to block the ICC proceedings. Meanwhile, human rights groups have hailed the development as a long-overdue step toward justice. State media reported that over 370 police officers had been deployed to key locations, including Duterte’s residence and government offices, to ensure order in the wake of his arrest. Duterte, known for his tough-talking persona, previously dismissed criticisms of his anti-drug campaign. "Do not question my policies because I offer no apologies, no excuses," he told a Senate investigation in 2016. His daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, has called the arrest "persecution" and vowed to support her father throughout the legal process. ICA/Expat Media