Rodrigo Duterte’s Chilling Remarks During Arrest for Human Rights Violations

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila Airport for alleged crimes against humanity, including extrajudicial killings from his drug war. He resisted arrest, stating “You will just have to kill me.” Duterte is currently under ICC custody in the Netherlands, facing severe accusations and questioning his detention’s legality.

Former President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, known for his controversial anti-drug campaign, made alarming remarks during his arrest at Manila’s airport. Following his return from Hong Kong, where he met Filipino expatriates, he confronted the police, asserting, “You will just have to kill me. I refuse if you will just ally with the whites,” as he resisted deboarding the train.

Duterte’s arrest stemmed from a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) concerning alleged crimes against humanity. Major General Nicholas Torres III, head of the Criminal Investigation and Detention Group, confirmed the arrest based on accusations of extrajudicial executions linked to his war on drugs, which reportedly led to thousands of deaths.

Footage released by Duterte’s daughter shows him questioning his detention, asking, “What is the law and what is the crime that I committed? I was brought here not of my own volition, it is somebody else’s.” He demanded accountability from the authorities regarding his arrest and confinement.

The ICC stated that Duterte faces charges of murder as a crime against humanity related to the establishment of death squads that purportedly executed drug offenders during his presidency. Following his arrest, Duterte was transported to the Netherlands after delays in Dubai due to medical evaluations. While human rights organizations estimate that up to 30,000 individuals were executed, local police claim the toll is approximately 6,000.

In summary, former President Rodrigo Duterte faced arrest based on serious allegations of crimes against humanity, specifically concerning his role in extrajudicial killings during his presidency. His defiant response to law enforcement and subsequent questioning of his detention illustrate the contentious nature of his leadership. As he now undergoes legal proceedings at the ICC, the implications of his regime’s actions continue to spar debates about human rights and governance in the Philippines.

Original Source: www.news.com.au