Duterte leaves fate to God amidst ICC warrant

VICE President Sara Duterte revealed that her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, has resigned himself to divine providence regarding the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued against him.

Following a visit to the Hague Penitentiary Institution on Friday afternoon, the Vice President shared her father’s response to the situation, stating, “He said, ‘I’ll leave it all to God. Whatever happens in my life, so be it.’”

This statement underscores Duterte’s apparent acceptance of the legal ramifications stemming from the ICC’s charges of crimes against humanity related to his administration’s controversial war on drugs.

The warrant, served upon Duterte’s arrival in the Philippines on March 11th, alleges responsibility for thousands of deaths during the campaign.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Vice President Duterte relayed a defiant sentiment from a supporter, echoing a similar resolve. Responding in Cebuano, she stated, “Dili ta mo surrender,” (We will not surrender). This suggests a continued show of support for the former President, even amidst the international legal proceedings.

The official police records indicate approximately 6,000 deaths linked to the drug war, a figure sharply contrasted by human rights groups who estimate the death toll, including extrajudicial killings, to be as high as 30,000.

This significant discrepancy underscores the ongoing debate and controversy surrounding the human rights implications of Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.

Duterte himself has previously asserted his willingness to accept full responsibility for the actions taken during his presidency’s war on drugs.

However, his decision to leave his fate “to God” suggests a shift in his immediate approach, prioritizing a spiritual perspective amidst the unfolding legal battle in The Hague.