Former President Rodrigo Duterte in Hong Kong. Photo/Office of the Vice President 

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang Palace has confirmed the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte upon his arrival from Hong Kong. 

In a statement, the Palace confirmed that the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) Manila has received the copy of the arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court against the former state chief. 

“Kaninang madaling araw natanggap ng INTERPOL Manila ang official copy ng warrant of arrest mula sa International Criminal Court (ICC),” the Palace said. 

The former leader arrived on Tuesday (March 11) at 9:20 am from Hong Kong where his party, Partido ng Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) held their sortie. 

“Sa kanyang pagdating, inihain ng Prosecutor General ang ICC notification para sa isang arrest warrant sa dating pangulo para sa krimen laban sa sangkatauhan,” the Palace said. 

The Palace assured that the former president is in good health and that he is given dignified treatment. 

“Ang mga opisyal ng PNP (Philippine National Police) na nagpatupad ng warrant ay tiniyak na may suot na body camera,” the Palace said. 

“Sa ngayon, nasa kustodiya na siya ng mga kinauukulan,” the Palace said. 

It was earlier reported that a 7000-strong police force is set to arrest Duterte upon his arrival from Hong Kong following the issuance of a red notice from the Interpol. 

In his speech before Overseas Filipino Workers over the weekend, Duterte himself said he heard of the arrest warrant having been issued against him. 

He reiterated that he did the drug war not for himself but for the welfare of the Filipinos. 

“Bakit ko ginawa ‘yan? Para sa sarili ko? Para sa pamilya ko? Para sa inyo at inyong mga anak,” he said. 

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