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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Escudero: ICC's arrest of ex-president Duterte shows Philippine's commitment to international agreements

Escudero: ICC's arrest of ex-president Duterte shows Philippine's commitment to international agreements

Published Mar 12, 2025 02:28 am

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Wednesday, March 12 welcomed the International Criminal Police Organization’s (Interpol) “peaceful and orderly” implementation of the arrest warrant against former president Rodrigo Duterte saying it highlights the Philippine’s commitment to international treaties. 

 

Escudero made the remark a day after Duterte was arrested by authorities upon arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from Hong Kong. 

 

The former leader is now en route to The Hague where he is expected to face trial for alleged crimes against humanity he committed during his administration’s campaign against illegal drugs. 

 

“The peaceful and orderly service of the Interpol warrant—carried out without incident—reflects our nation’s commitment to upholding international agreements, as well as the maturity, civility, calm, and professionalism of all those involved: our law enforcement authorities, former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, his lawyers, and his supporters,” Escudero said in a statement.

 

“As this legal process unfolds, we expect the ICC to respect the rights of former President Duterte and to ensure that he is afforded due process in accordance with the Rule of Law,” the Senate leader said. 

 

But at the same time, Escudero appealed for sobriety knowing the different opinions from the public following Duterte’s arrest.

 

“This development will undoubtedly elicit diverse reactions shaped by differing perspectives on the allegations against the former president, from the families of victims of extra-judicial killings to his loyal supporters,” Escudero noted.

 

“Debate and disagreement are natural in a democracy, but as we move forward, I urge our kababayan to approach this moment with the restraint and respect displayed yesterday by the protagonists from both sides,” he said. 

 

The Senate leader also urged all candidates who are running for the midterm elections not to use the issue to trigger biases.

 

“I also call on those running in the midterm elections to refrain from using this issue to fan the flames of partisanship in order to further their candidacies as this is a serious issue that involves lives and should not be trifled with for petty personal or political gain,” he said.

 

“It is in our nation’s best interests to demonstrate our strength not by division, but by our capacity to rise above our differences and to collectively and peacefully uphold justice and accountability,” the senator stressed. 

 

Related Tags

International Criminal Court (ICC) Chiz Escudero War on drugs ICC probe crimes against humanity Duterte administration Rodrigo Duterte
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