Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte travels to The Hague to support her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, after his arrest over ICC warrants related to alleged “crimes against humanity” from his drug war. She condemns the arrest as oppression, amidst rising political tensions and her recent impeachment.
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is en route to The Hague to assist her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who has been arrested under a warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding alleged “crimes against humanity” related to his controversial drug war. This operation involved thousands of deaths during his presidency, which spanned from 2016 to 2022.
Upon being arrested at Manila airport, former President Duterte was swiftly transported to The Hague, potentially marking him as the first Asian ex-head of state to stand trial at the ICC. Vice President Duterte described the circumstances of her father’s arrest as oppressive and a direct affront to Philippine sovereignty.
Sara boarded a flight to Amsterdam on Wednesday, intending to assist in forming a legal defense team for her father. She expressed her views, stating, “This is a blatant affront to our sovereignty and an insult to every Filipino who believes in our nation’s independence.”
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. endorsed the government’s handling of the arrest, citing compliance with Interpol obligations. Tensions are high as Duterte’s youngest daughter, Veronica, seeks to file a habeas corpus request with the Philippine Supreme Court to retrieve her father.
Legal representatives, including Silvestre Bello, are preparing to navigate the legal landscape, aiming to ascertain where the former president is detained and what legal recourse is available to him.
Notably, Sara Duterte’s trip occurs shortly after her impeachment by the Philippine lower house of Congress, exacerbated by allegations of misconduct and political tensions. Despite the scrutiny she faces, Sara denies any wrongdoing, suggesting that the actions against her constitute a political vendetta.
As the ICC continues its investigations into the alleged crimes committed during her father’s administration, public sentiment is palpable. Vigils and protests are occurring in response to the violent repercussions of the Duterte administration’s anti-drug operations, emphasizing the demand for justice for victims and their families.
In summary, Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte’s journey to The Hague is significant, as it underscores the ongoing legal challenges faced by her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, in connection with his administration’s drug war. Her statements reflect a strong resistance against what she perceives as a violation of sovereignty, while political tensions within the Philippines heighten amidst her recent impeachment. The legal journey ahead for the Duterte family promises to unfold amid a backdrop of national scrutiny and calls for accountability.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
