The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday said the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte strictly adhered to domestic and international legal procedures and was conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.
In a statement, the agency said “the execution of the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant of arrest, which was received by the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime (PCTC) from [International Criminal Police Organization] Interpol, followed established protocols to ensure due process and the protection of the former President’s rights.”
The DOJ explained that despite the country’s withdrawal from the ICC in 2019, it remains a member state of the Interpol. It added that the arrest was carried out by Filipino law enforcement agents as a matter of comity and mutual cooperation in the international community.
Citing Section 17 of Republic Act 9851, the Philippines may surrender suspected or accused persons in the country to the appropriate international court for crimes punished by the said law, including crimes against humanity.
The DOJ said Interpol has played a crucial role in many cases pursued by the agency involving subjects who have fled the country in attempts to evade accountability.
The Justice Department added that it is through Interpol that the country was able to solve crime on a global scale, meaning cooperation with them is imperative.
Upon receipt of the copy of the warrant of arrest from Interpol, the Philippine National Police (PNP), in the presence of DOJ prosecutors, carried out the arrest at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as the former president arrived from Hong Kong.
Prosecutors were also present to observe the process and attest to its legality, ensuring the arrest complied with both local and international standards.
Meanwhile, Interpol Manila, PCTC, and the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) ensured the operation proceeded with minimal disruption, while law enforcement authorities formally informed Duterte of his rights and the nature of the charges against him in accordance with Article 59 of the Rome Statute.
The DOJ added that due courtesy and consideration were accorded to the former president and his entourage in the course of the implementation.