Imee Marcos to investigate ex-President Duterte’s ICC arrest

Metro Manila, Philippines - Senator Imee Marcos is set to lead a legislative investigation into the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, following the warrant issued by the International Criminal Court that was executed during her brother’s administration.

“As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, I am calling for an urgent investigation into the arrest of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, an issue that has deeply divided the nation,” Marcos announced in a statement on Monday, March 17.

The hearing is set for Thursday, March 20, according to the Senate website, with Marcos serving as the presiding officer.

Marcos said she will focus on whether due process was followed and whether Duterte’s rights were safeguarded during the arrest carried out by the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

She plans to invite key officials from the Philippine National Police, Department of Justice, Department of Foreign Affairs, National Security Council, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and the Office for Transportation Security, among others.

“The Senate must address these critical concerns to uphold the country’s jurisdiction and to clarify policies governing our law enforcement agencies and their engagement with international tribunals. Our sovereignty and legal processes must remain paramount,” Marcos said.

Duterte was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on March 11 upon his return to the country from Hong Kong. The ICC issued the arrest warrant for the crime against humanity of murder for allegedly ordering killings during his time as mayor of Davao City and as president of the Philippines.

Local authorities handed the former president over to the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol). President Marcos stated that the action was in compliance with the country’s commitment to Interpol. Duterte is now detained at the ICC detention facility in the Netherlands, where he faced pre-trial last Friday.

The developments at the ICC mark the culmination of nine years since the tribunal first expressed concern over the thousands of alleged extrajudicial killings in the drug war, as well as deaths tied to the supposed Davao Death Squad during Duterte's tenure as mayor.