Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest a critical step for accountability – Human Rights Watch

Former President Rodrigo Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — The arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is a critical step for accountability in the Philippines, the international human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) said following Duterte’s arrest for crimes against humanity committed during his presidency.

“His arrest could bring victims and their families closer to justice and sends the clear message that no one is above the law,” HRW Deputy Asia Director Bryony Lau said in a statement on Tuesday.

“The Marcos government should swiftly surrender him to the ICC,” she added.

Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity over thousands of extrajudicial killings linked to his administration’s bloody war on drugs.

Reports indicate that at least 6,000 persons were killed, but human rights groups estimate the death toll may have reached 20,000.

The Palace confirmed on Tuesday that the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in Manila received an official copy of the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Duterte.

“Kaninang madaling araw, natanggap ng Interpol Manila ang official copy ng warrant of arrest mula sa International Criminal Court (ICC),” the Presidential Communications Office said in a statement.

(Early this morning, Interpol Manila received the official copy of the warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court.)

Duterte arrived in Manila from Hong Kong at around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.