The FPRRD’s Arrest By ICC
The arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) of former President Rodrigo Duterte on March 11 for the allege crime against humanity committed during his bloody “war on drugs” from year 2011 up to 2019 is seemingly a jigsaw puzzle seeking an answer to whether it was legal or illegal.
The war on drugs that allegedly killed thousands of suspected drug addicts, peddlers, users and runners may put FPRRD to become the first former head of state to go on trial.
From a family vacation in Hong Kong, the former president was arrested at NAIA on warrant by the ICC, course through the International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol, and brought to Villamor Air Base where a chartered Gulfstream G550 jet plane was waiting and later brought him to The Hague, Netherland where the headquarters of ICC is located.
While FPRRD was held inside the plane, a social turmoil was heating up. Mixed reactions was beginning to stir among citizenry. Comments of two sides of the coin were and still echoing over the radios, televisions and social media platforms: questioning the legality of the arrest of a Filipino citizen in his own country by foreign ICC, and the legal order or the process of the arrest of the former president; while others expressing their relief and approval.
Vloggers are feasting the event, uploading their contents to express support or to counter the arrest. National figures are in the lime lights: condemning or commending the actions of the ICC and the people executing the order of arrest.
Since the arrival of Duterte in The Hague, Netherland, supporters organized protest rally here and abroad condemning the allege illegal arrest of the former Philippine leader, and urging the Philippine government to order the ICC to bring back home Duterte.
Even the Presidential Sister Senator Imee Marcos started a Senate inquiry regarding the arrest.
In a live streaming, Senator Marcos, head of the Senator Committee on Foreign relations, has started an investigation into the matter, which she said has divided the nation. In response, the government expressed its willingness to extend full cooperation and there “will be no effort from the Malacañang to prevent such proceedings.”
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the administration will fully cooperate in the investigation.
Former president Duterte questioned his arrest saying that the Philippines has long withdrawn its membership from ICC. But the Department of Justice clarified that while the Philippines had withdrawn its membership from ICC, the nation remains a member of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), which executed the arrest with the cooperation of the Philippine National Police.
President Marcos earlier explained that the assistance provided by the government for Duterte’s arrest was not in compliance of the ICC arrest order since we are already withdrawn or membership from the International Court.
However, we have to comply our commitment to the Interpol, which we are active member, which was tapped by the ICC to implement the order. The President recognizes that the ICC does not have jurisdiction over the Philippines.
Hear’s To Watch: The arrest and bringing of former president Duterte to Netherland, whether legal or illegal, clearly induced disunion among Filipinos, and this is dangerous to national security and stability.
There is also a great danger that the issue may be utilized as political campaign material to solicit votes for the coming May elections this year or in 2028, or even support to create destabilization.
One could say that this is no longer an election of platforms covering economic recovery, developmental policies or social issues; and instead, an election of pro-Duterte against anti-Duterte. And one could provoke the other to start what is unwanted.
But the people may still help the Mother Country. The people should learn better, analyze the story, understand the issue and not the person. Then decide, which party will you support? Or Who you will vote to save our nation?
