Philippine senators on Thursday scrutinized government officials over their decision to hand former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) last week.
During the senate hearing, Justice Minister Jesus Crispin Remulla denied allegations that the government had coordinated Duterte’s arrest ahead of time. Remulla maintained that the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the International Police (Interpol) had acted independently in executing the ICC warrant.
Senators questioned Remulla and other officials about the government’s role in Duterte’s arrest, citing concerns over sovereignty and the rule of law. The hearing aimed to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Duterte’s detention and the government’s decision to cooperate with the ICC.
Duterte, who is facing charges of crimes against humanity related to his anti-drug campaign, was arrested on March 11 and transferred to The Hague, where he is currently being held. The ICC issued the warrant for his arrest on March
