(Exclusive) Ex-Philippines President Duterte spotted in Causeway Bay amid ICC Warrant rumour: sources

Former President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte was seen in Causeway Bay, on Saturday afternoon, amid rumors of an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court.

Sources have told The Standard that Duterte was spotted around 2 pm at Lee Theatre Plaza in Causeway Bay, accompanied by approximately 10 people including bodyguards. He was seen using an escalator leading to the area's restaurants.

According to the Philippines news media, Duterte was accompanied by his wife, former first lady Honeylet Avanceña, and their daughter, Victoria "Kitty" Duterte.

Also joining the trip is said to be former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea, former Philippine National Police (PNP) intelligence director Nelson Quinsay and his wife, former PNP official Filmore Escobal and his wife, and former National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) director-general Alex Paul Monteagudo

The Philippines media outlets have reported that Duterte arrived in Hong Kong yesterday (Mar 7), as speculation intensified regarding the potential issuance of an ICC arrest warrant.

It is reported that Duterte left the Philippines early on the same day, taking a flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 to Hong Kong.

The reason behind Duterte's sudden visit to Hong Kong has not been disclosed, leading to speculation that he might be seeking to avoid the ICC, which is said to have issued a warrant for his arrest.

Speculation about Duterte's potential arrest by the ICC has been ongoing for several months. Figures such as retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV had previously suggested that a warrant might have been issued as early as last year.

The ICC has been investigating Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity connected to his controversial anti-drug campaign, which began during his time as mayor of Davao City and continued throughout his presidency.

Given the persistent rumors, there is further speculation that Duterte may choose not to return to the Philippines after his Hong Kong visit and might seek refuge in China according to the Philippines media reports.

Salvador Panelo, the former chief presidential legal counsel for Duterte, has refuted rumors suggesting that the ex-president has fled, clarifying that Duterte is in Hong Kong to attend a gathering of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) scheduled for Sunday (Mar 9) at Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai.

During this event, he plans to express his gratitude to the OFWs for their ongoing support of both him and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte. "I’ll be joining him tomorrow," Panelo stated in an interview with Philippines news media.

Additionally, there are unconfirmed reports that Philippines Vice President Sara Duterte might accompany her father to the event in Hong Kong.

According to past reports, it is understood that Duterte was seen in a similar location in Causeway Bay back in February 2019. The Philippines media reported that Duterte's wife celebrated her birthday and that the trip was a birthday present to her.

Separately, Sara has petitioned the Supreme Court to invalidate her impeachment and prevent a Senate trial that could lead to her removal from office. The House of Representatives, heavily influenced by allies of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., impeached Duterte on February 5, citing allegations of plotting to assassinate the president and engaging in large-scale corruption.

Following the impeachment, the Senate was poised to convene as an impeachment court for Duterte's trial, scheduled to commence after Congress reconvenes on June 2. Represented by her legal team, the vice president has urged the 15-member high court to annul the impeachment and halt the impending trial, arguing that the process was procedurally defective, constitutionally infirm, and jurisdictionally void.

(Prashan Limbu)

(Updated 10.02pm)