INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT ISSUES ARREST WARRANT FOR PHILIPPINES’ EX-PRESIDENT – The ICC has said it would pursue an investigation of suspected crimes against humanity
Philippine police served an Interpol arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for former President Rodrigo Duterte upon his arrival at a Manila airport, and the ex-leader is now in custody, the office of the president said.
Duterte’s “war on drugs” was a signature policy after he swept to power in 2016 after vitriolic, crime-busting campaign vows to kill narcotics dealers.
Human rights groups claim that Philippine police and vigilantes under their direction murdered unarmed drug suspects on a massive scale on Duterte’s watch, allegations that authorities have denied.
The ICC has said it would pursue an investigation of suspected crimes against humanity.
While Duterte subsequently withdrew the Philippines from the ICC, the government under new leader Marcos has indicated Duterte could be handed over.
Duterte, the 16th president of the Philippines, was the first leader the Southeast Asian country has had from its troubled south.
