ICC issues arrest warrant for Duterte upon return from Hong Kong

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile stated on Monday that former President Rodrigo Duterte's legal issues are not related to Philippine laws but rather international law enforcement actions by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Duterte was arrested upon his arrival at the airport from Hong Kong, with an arrest warrant issued and served through Interpol.

The ICC has been investigating Duterte’s involvement in extrajudicial killings during his tenure, drawing criticism from human rights organizations and the international community.

Enrile emphasized that blaming the Philippine government for Duterte's legal troubles is incorrect since it stems from the ICC rather than domestic laws.

He advised Duterte's lawyers to obtain a copy of the charges filed by the ICC to understand why an arrest order was issued, noting that Philippine domestic laws do not pertain to this matter.

Former presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo criticized Duterte's arrest as 'unlawful,' stating that the ICC warrant is spurious and lacks jurisdiction over the Philippines.

Panelo also warned that those involved in the arrest could face criminal liability under international agreements.