Philippine Politics and International Relations
Rodrigo Duterte Spotted in Hong Kong Amid ICC Arrest Warrant Rumors
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Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was seen in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, on Saturday afternoon, fueling speculation about an alleged arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Sources informed The Standard that Duterte was spotted around 2 pm at Lee Theatre Plaza, accompanied by approximately 10 individuals, including bodyguards. He was observed using an escalator leading to the area’s restaurants.
According to Philippine media, Duterte was joined by his wife, former First Lady Honeylet Avanceña, and their daughter, Victoria "Kitty" Duterte. Also accompanying him were former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea, former Philippine National Police (PNP) intelligence director Nelson Quinsay and his wife, former PNP official Filmore Escobal and his wife, and former National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) director-general Alex Paul Monteagudo.
Reports indicate that Duterte arrived in Hong Kong on March 7, as rumors intensified about a potential ICC arrest warrant. He reportedly left the Philippines early that day, flying from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 to Hong Kong. The purpose of his visit remains undisclosed, leading to speculation that he may be avoiding the ICC, which is investigating him for alleged crimes against humanity related to his controversial anti-drug campaign.
The ICC’s investigation focuses on Duterte’s role in the anti-drug campaign, which began during his tenure as mayor of Davao City and continued throughout his presidency. Speculation about an ICC arrest warrant has persisted for months, with figures like retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV suggesting a warrant might have been issued as early as last year.
There is further speculation that Duterte may not return to the Philippines and could seek refuge in China. Meanwhile, his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, has petitioned the Philippine Supreme Court to invalidate her impeachment and prevent a Senate trial that could remove her from office. The impeachment, initiated by the House of Representatives on February 5, alleges her involvement in plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and engaging in large-scale corruption.
Salvador Panelo, Duterte’s former chief presidential legal counsel, denied rumors that the ex-president has fled, stating that Duterte is in Hong Kong to attend a gathering of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on March 9 at Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai. Panelo mentioned that Duterte plans to thank OFWs for their support of him and his daughter. Unconfirmed reports suggest Vice President Sara Duterte might also attend the event.
This is not Duterte’s first visit to Hong Kong. In February 2019, he was seen in Causeway Bay during a trip reportedly celebrating his wife’s birthday.
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Note: This AI-generated summary may contain inaccuracies. For complete context, refer to the full article.
According to Philippine media, Duterte was joined by his wife, former First Lady Honeylet Avanceña, and their daughter, Victoria "Kitty" Duterte. Also accompanying him were former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea, former Philippine National Police (PNP) intelligence director Nelson Quinsay and his wife, former PNP official Filmore Escobal and his wife, and former National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) director-general Alex Paul Monteagudo.
Reports indicate that Duterte arrived in Hong Kong on March 7, as rumors intensified about a potential ICC arrest warrant. He reportedly left the Philippines early that day, flying from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 to Hong Kong. The purpose of his visit remains undisclosed, leading to speculation that he may be avoiding the ICC, which is investigating him for alleged crimes against humanity related to his controversial anti-drug campaign.
The ICC’s investigation focuses on Duterte’s role in the anti-drug campaign, which began during his tenure as mayor of Davao City and continued throughout his presidency. Speculation about an ICC arrest warrant has persisted for months, with figures like retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV suggesting a warrant might have been issued as early as last year.
There is further speculation that Duterte may not return to the Philippines and could seek refuge in China. Meanwhile, his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, has petitioned the Philippine Supreme Court to invalidate her impeachment and prevent a Senate trial that could remove her from office. The impeachment, initiated by the House of Representatives on February 5, alleges her involvement in plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and engaging in large-scale corruption.
Salvador Panelo, Duterte’s former chief presidential legal counsel, denied rumors that the ex-president has fled, stating that Duterte is in Hong Kong to attend a gathering of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on March 9 at Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai. Panelo mentioned that Duterte plans to thank OFWs for their support of him and his daughter. Unconfirmed reports suggest Vice President Sara Duterte might also attend the event.
This is not Duterte’s first visit to Hong Kong. In February 2019, he was seen in Causeway Bay during a trip reportedly celebrating his wife’s birthday.
ccto thestandard com hk
Note: This AI-generated summary may contain inaccuracies. For complete context, refer to the full article.