Vice President Sara Duterte has traveled to Hong Kong to join her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, for a political gathering organized by the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), according to the Office of the Vice President (OVP).

The former president is expected to address overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Wan Chai as part of the party’s campaign efforts. His presence in Hong Kong, confirmed on 8 March, comes amid growing speculation regarding a possible arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Reports from Hong Kong-based newspaper The Standard indicate that Duterte was seen in Causeway Bay accompanied by ten bodyguards. His visit has drawn attention due to the ongoing ICC investigation into alleged human rights abuses during his controversial anti-drug campaign.

PH reiterates cooperation with ICC via Interpol

The government has reiterated its willingness to cooperate with international law enforcement agencies, including Interpol, should the ICC issue an arrest warrant against Duterte.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro acknowledged the speculation but declined to confirm any legal action against the former leader. She stated that, under Philippine law, a hold departure order would follow if an arrest warrant were issued, preventing Duterte from leaving the country without court authorization.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has repeatedly argued that the ICC no longer has jurisdiction over the Philippines following the country’s withdrawal from the tribunal in 2019.

A video shared on social media recently showed Duterte at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), prompting speculation that he was attempting to leave the country in anticipation of a possible arrest. However, officials have stated that his trip is related to PDP-Laban’s campaign activities.

Duterte’s political engagement in Hong Kong

Former President Duterte arrived in Hong Kong on 7 March aboard Cathay Pacific flight CX912 from Manila’s NAIA Terminal 3. He was accompanied by his common-law wife, Honeylet Avanceña, their daughter Victoria “Kitty” Duterte, and former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea. Several security personnel also traveled with them.

Sources at NAIA confirmed that Duterte and his group passed through standard immigration and security checks. Others in the delegation included former Philippine National Police (PNP) intelligence director Nelson Quinsay, former PNP official Filmore Escobal, and former National Intelligence Coordinating Agency director-general Alex Paul Monteagudo.

The political event, titled “Pasasalamat kay PRRD with OFWs,” is scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai. A promotional poster for the event features Duterte alongside his daughter, religious leader Apollo Quiboloy, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, SAGIP Partylist Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, actor Philip Salvador, and lawyer Vic Rodriguez.

Ongoing ICC investigation

Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022, remains a highly controversial figure due to his administration’s war on drugs, which led to thousands of deaths. The ICC is currently investigating allegations of crimes against humanity linked to his leadership.

In 2019, Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC after the tribunal announced a probe into alleged human rights violations. Despite this, the ICC has continued its investigation, arguing that it retains jurisdiction over crimes committed before the withdrawal.

As the situation develops, questions remain regarding Duterte’s legal status and how the government would respond if an arrest warrant were issued.

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