Rodrigo Duterte, the ex-president of the Philippines, has stated he accepts “full responsibility” for his controversial “war on drugs.”
Following his arrest related to alleged crimes against humanity during his “war on drugs,” former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has declared his readiness for a lengthy legal process at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Duterte was taken into custody by Philippine authorities at Manila’s international airport on Tuesday and transported to The Hague the following day. The ICC arrest warrant alleges that between 2016 and 2022, the former president established, funded, and equipped “death squads” responsible for the killings of suspected drug dealers and users.
In a two-minute recording made on the plane, Duterte reassured his supporters not to be concerned and stated that he is “okay.”
“This legal battle will be a protracted one, but I assure you that I will continue to serve my country. If that is my fate, then so be it,” he stated in a video posted on Facebook on Wednesday, which has already garnered over 19 million views.
The former president had previously denied any wrongdoing, while acknowledging that there was bloodshed during his “war on drugs.” Shortly after assuming office, he pledged to eradicate illegal narcotics from the country by instructing the police to use deadly force against drug suspects if they perceived a threat.
Official data indicates that approximately 6,200 individuals were killed in police operations. However, activists claim that the actual number could be significantly higher.
“Whatever may have transpired, I will stand by our law enforcement and the military. I have already stated that I will protect you, and I will accept responsibility for everything,” Duterte affirmed regarding his war on drugs.
Some human rights advocates have denounced the former president’s arrest as unlawful, citing the Philippines’ formal withdrawal from the ICC in 2019 under Duterte’s directive. The ICC, based in The Hague, maintains that it still has jurisdiction over crimes potentially committed while the country was a signatory.
Duterte’s son, Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte, who is currently the mayor of Davao City, released a statement on Friday asserting that his father’s arrest “establishes a dangerous precedent.”
“If such actions can be taken against a former President of the Republic, what protection remains for the average Filipino citizen?” he questioned.