Duterte's Unseen Escape: ICC Charges Cast a Dark Shadow

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's unannounced Hong Kong trip fuels speculations of an ICC arrest warrant over drug war crimes. Duterte speaks at a rally, denies extrajudicial killings but expresses readiness for imprisonment. ICC investigates thousands of related deaths; Duterte withdrew the Philippines in 2019.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's unexpected visit to Hong Kong has sparked rumors of his potential evasion from an ICC arrest warrant linked to his controversial drug crackdown.

During a rally in Hong Kong, Duterte, joined by his daughter, addressed the possibility of his arrest while denying any extrajudicial killings, but acknowledging a willingness to face prison time.

The ICC is examining thousands of deaths under Duterte's anti-drug campaign, despite his 2019 withdrawal of the Philippines from the court in an attempt to dodge accountability.

(With inputs from agencies.)