Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has made headlines again with his emphatic request for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to expedite its investigation into his controversial war on drugs. In a recent congressional inquiry, Duterte expressed his willingness to face the consequences of his actions, stating, “I’m asking the ICC to hurry up, and if possible, they can come here and start the investigation tomorrow.”
Government Stance on Duterte’s Surrender
In a significant development, the Philippine government announced on 13 November 2024, that it would not prevent Duterte’s potential surrender to the ICC. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin stated that if an Interpol request for Duterte’s arrest were made, the government would be obliged to comply. This is the first indication from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration that it may cooperate with the ICC regarding the investigations into the deadly crackdown during Duterte’s presidency.
Background on the War on Drugs
- Under Duterte’s administration (2016-2022), police reported over 6,200 deaths linked to anti-drug operations.
- Human rights organisations claim the actual number could be much higher, suggesting thousands were killed under mysterious circumstances.
- Duterte has consistently defended the campaign as a necessary measure to combat drug-related issues in the Philippines.
Duterte’s Defiance and Call for Accountability
Duterte remains unapologetic, insisting on his commitment to addressing the drug crisis. He proclaimed, “I have nothing to hide. What I did, I did it for my country and for the young people. No excuses. No apologies. If I go to hell, so be it.” This fierce declaration reflects his continued defiance in the face of international scrutiny.
The ICC cleared the way for an investigation into Duterte’s actions after the Philippines withdrew from the court in March 2019. However, due to the timing of the alleged crimes, prosecutors maintain their jurisdiction, leaving the former president in a precarious position. As Duterte’s impatience grows, many around the world closely watch how this situation unfolds.