Former President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte addressed some 2,000 Filipinos during a political campaign rally in Hong Kong on Sunday. The unannounced trip comes amid rumors that the International Criminal Court (ICC) may issue an arrest warrant against him.
Duterte and his daughter Sara Duterte — the incumbent vice president of the Philippines — were the main speakers in the rally that was held at the Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai for the senatorial candidates of their political party ahead of the May 12 midterm elections in the Philippines.
Swamps of Filipino expatriates packed the area around the Stadium, with people holding photos of the former president and some waving the national flags.
In his speech, Duterte touched on news reports about the ICC possibly issuing a warrant for his arrest. “What was my sin?” Duterte asked. “I did everything in my time so Filipinos can have a little peace and tranquility.”
“If this is my fate in life, it’s OK, I’ll accept it. I can’t do anything if I get arrested and jailed,” said the 79-year-old former president.
According to Filipino senator Bong Go’s Facebook, the gathering was also a thanksgiving event for the country’s overseas workers in Hong Kong.
The Standard has exclusively reported that Duterte was seen on Saturday afternoon at Lee Theatre Plaza in Causeway Bay, accompanied by around 10 people including bodyguards.
According to the Philippines news media, Duterte arrived in Hong Kong on Friday, along with his wife, former first lady Honeylet Avanceña, and the younger daughter, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte.
The ICC is reportedly investigating Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity connected to thousands of deaths during his controversial anti-drug campaign, dating back to his time as Davao City mayor and president.
Duterte has denied accusations of authorizing extrajudicial killings during the illegal drug crackdown.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said that Philippine law enforcement agencies would be bound to fully cooperate if the ICC seeks the custody of his predecessor.
Salvador Panelo, the former chief presidential legal counsel for Duterte, has dismissed suggestions that the ex-president tried to flee the country.
(Staff reporter and AP)
