Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) this morning as he landed from Hong Kong, and progressives hailed the move by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Senator Bong Go told reporters Duterte supporters like him were misled into thinking the former President would be taken to the VIP lounge of the airport but was arrested by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) instead.
Go added that Duterte was taken to nearby Villamor Air Base.
Representatives of Interpol (the International Police) were reportedly with the PNP at the NAIA to serve the warrant.
Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity at the ICC for thousands of deaths connected to the so-called drug he launched as president.
Former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares welcomed the arrest, calling it a “significant step toward justice for the thousands of victims of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations under his administration.”
“This arrest, while long overdue, sends a powerful message that justice can be achieved thru perseverance and struggle,” Colmemares, who is also a co-counsel of the families of victims of Duterte’s bloody drug war said.
“We have consistently called for accountability for the massive human rights violations committed during the Duterte administration, particularly the thousands of lives lost in the so-called ‘War on Drugs.’”
Bagong Alysang Makabayan chairperson and Makabayan senatorial candidate Teddy Casiño also welcomed the development, calling it a “crucial milestone in the struggle for justice.”
“The road to justice has been long and difficult—beginning with the courageous decision of Duterte’s victims to file a case with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC), the body’s meticulous investigations despite the Philippine government’s lack of cooperation and effort to sabotage its efforts, now culminating with Interpol serving the arrest warrant against Duterte,” Casiño said.
Kabataan Party Rep. Raoul Manuel meanwhile said the arrest was “long overdue and well-deserved.”
Manuel said Duterte should not put up a fight and “face the music.”
He also called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to let justice take its due course. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
