‘Whatever my sins may be, I did them to bring some peace, security to Filipinos’

HONG KONG—Former President Rodrigo Duterte addressed reports of an alleged International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against him on Sunday, justifying his actions during his presidency as necessary for national security.

Speaking at a Hong Kong event for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Duterte stated, “I heard that I supposedly have a warrant from the ICC. They’ve been after me for a long time.”

He insisted his actions were intended to bring peace and order, adding, “Whatever my sins may be, I did them to bring some peace and security to the Filipino people.”

The ICC is investigating Duterte and his administration for alleged crimes against humanity related to thousands of deaths during his administration’s anti-drug campaign. Government records cite at least 6,000 deaths, while human rights groups estimate the figure to be as high as 30,000.

Duterte’s former chief legal counsel, Salvador Panelo, dismissed reports of the former president attempting to flee the country as “fake news,” stating Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, were in Hong Kong to thank OFWs for their support.

They are expected to return to Manila soon.

While Duterte defended his actions, Attorney Kristina Conti, Assistant to Counsel and Secretary-General of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers-National Capital Region, stated that the issuance of the warrant remains unconfirmed.