Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte arrived in Hong Kong on Friday, March 7, fueling speculation about a possible arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
According to a Politiko report, Duterte took Cathay Pacific flight CX912 from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), departing at 8:41 a.m. and landing in Hong Kong at 10:25 a.m. He had traveled from Davao City to Manila a day earlier and spent the night in Taguig before heading to the airport.
His former chief legal counsel, Salvador Panelo, denied rumors that Duterte was fleeing the country, stating that he was in Hong Kong for an event with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on March 9 at Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai. Duterte is expected to express gratitude to OFWs for their support for him and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte.
Panelo also confirmed that he would be joining Duterte in Hong Kong on March 8. There are also unconfirmed reports that Vice President Duterte might attend the gathering.
Talks about a potential ICC arrest warrant have been ongoing, with opposition figures like retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV speculating that the warrant could have been issued last year. The ICC is investigating Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaign during his tenure as Davao City mayor and Philippine president.
Amid these speculations, some have raised concerns that Duterte might not return to the Philippines after the Hong Kong event and could seek asylum in China. Malacañang has stated that if the ICC formally requests his arrest through Interpol, the government would be “obliged” to comply.
Meanwhile, certain officials have questioned why Duterte has not been placed under an immigration lookout order, which would allow authorities to monitor his travels.
