Vice President Sara Duterte travels to The Hague to support her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, following his arrest under an ICC warrant for alleged crimes against humanity related to his drug war. Sara calls the arrest an act of oppression, while the Philippine government defends the actions taken regarding Rodrigo’s transfer. Legal teams are prepared to assist him, amid a backdrop of Sara’s recent impeachment and ongoing protests for justice.
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has embarked on a trip to The Hague to support her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was arrested under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. The ICC has charged him with alleged “crimes against humanity” related to his controversial drug war that resulted in numerous fatalities. He was apprehended at Manila airport and transported to The Hague shortly after his arrest.
Rodrigo Duterte, who held the presidency from 2016 to 2022, could become the first former Asian head of state to face trial at the ICC. Upon arrival in Amsterdam, Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her discontent over her father’s arrest, labeling it as “oppression and persecution” and a violation of Philippine sovereignty. She underscored that this act disrespects the independence of every Filipino.
The Philippine government, represented by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., defended the actions taken regarding Duterte’s arrest, asserting it was in adherence to Interpol commitments. Furthermore, Duterte’s youngest daughter, Veronica, intends to file a habeas corpus petition with the Philippine Supreme Court, seeking her father’s return. This legal action is supported by Salvador Panelo, Duterte’s former chief legal consultant.
Silvestre Bello, one of Rodrigo Duterte’s attorneys, stated that a legal team will convene to determine the exact location of the former president and discuss the necessary legal strategies to provide him with assistance. Daniel’s concerns extend to understanding their access to him.
Sara Duterte’s visit to The Hague occurs in the context of her recent impeachment by the lower house of Congress, which many speculate is connected to tensions with President Marcos Jr. The impeachment followed allegations against her, including misuse of public funds and conspiracy to commit actions against the president, charges she has categorically denied.
Although the ICC has not publicly articulated the specific charges against Rodrigo Duterte, investigations into his actions began in 2018 when he was still in office. He rose to power in 2016 primarily by campaigning on a platform of stringent measures against crime, advocating lethal force against drug suspects, which has led to over 7,000 official casualties during his administration’s anti-drug operations.
Following Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest, family members and advocates for the victims of his drug war organized a candlelit vigil in Quezon City to demand accountability and justice, spotlighting the ongoing ramifications of his policies, including those concerning anti-terrorism and martial law in Mindanao.
The ongoing situation surrounding former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest represents a significant moment in Philippine politics and international law. Vice President Sara Duterte’s trip to The Hague indicates family solidarity amid serious allegations against her father. Furthermore, her impeachment and the larger implications of Duterte’s drug war continue to unfold, highlighting the complexities of governance and human rights in the Philippines. As legal proceedings develop, these events will undoubtedly influence both national and international perspectives on justice and sovereignty.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
