Philippines' Duterte says he will accept arrest if ICC issues warrant

Former president speaks in Hong Kong, defends his 'war on drugs'

20250310 Duterte

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during a House committee hearing investigating his administration’s war on drugs in Manila on Nov. 13.

HONG KONG/MANILA (Reuters) -- Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte said in Hong Kong that he was ready for possible arrest amid reports the International Criminal Court (ICC) was poised to issue a warrant over his years-long "war on drugs" that killed thousands.

The "war on drugs" was the signature campaign policy that swept Duterte to power in 2016 as a maverick, crime-busting mayor, who delivered on promises he made during vitriolic speeches to kill thousands of narcotics dealers.

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