‘Duterte Refused Fingerprinting And Threatened Lawsuits’
MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte refused to undergo standard police booking procedures, including fingerprinting, and threatened legal action against authorities following his arrest in Manila. The arrest, carried out under an International Criminal Court (ICC) order, led to a prolonged standoff before Duterte was transported to The Hague for detention.
Police Major General Nicolas Torre detailed the tense 12-hour confrontation at Villamor Air Base, where Duterte’s family, lawyers, and supporters attempted to prevent his transfer to an executive jet. Reports indicate that Duterte, 79, remained defiant, stating, “You have to kill me to bring me to The Hague.”
Duterte, a former prosecutor, faced allegations of crimes against humanity linked to his controversial anti-drug campaign, which resulted in thousands of deaths. While in Hong Kong before his arrest, he acknowledged the possibility of imprisonment, remarking, “If this is my fate, I’ll accept it.”
Despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC in 2019, the court asserts jurisdiction over cases filed during the country’s membership. Duterte’s supporters, including Vice President Sara Duterte, have condemned the arrest, labeling it an affront to national sovereignty. The current administration, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has denied these claims, emphasizing legal obligations and international cooperation.
Duterte is scheduled to appear before ICC judges on Friday, where he will be informed of the charges and his legal rights. The case continues to generate widespread debate, with human rights organizations viewing it as a landmark move against state impunity, while critics argue it undermines Philippine independence.
For further details on the ICC’s legal process, visit the official ICC website.
