Former President Rodrigo Duterte told hundreds of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong on Sunday that he is ready to go to jail.
His pronouncement came amidst rumors of an alleged arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with his administration’s anti-drug war campaign.
The former president, accompanied by Vice President Sara Duterte, attended the “Pasasalamat Kay FPRRD with OFWs” event at Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
“Balita ko may warrant daw ako, totoo, yung sa ICC or something, matagal na akong hinahabol…ano man ang kasalanan ko? Ginawa ko man ang lahat sa panahon ko para may konting katahimikan at mapayapa ang buhay ng Pilipino. Ang problema nito, ewan ko kung ang tingin ng, ako una yung…ganito na lang, assuming na totoo, totoo talaga yang naririnig ninyo, bakit ko ginawa yan? Para sa sarili ko? Para sa pamilya ko? Para sa inyo at ng inyong mga anak at bayan. Ang hingiin ko na lang sa inyo, total ito man talaga ang swerte ko sa buhay, okay lang tatanggapin ko yan, eh wala tayong magawa eh, hulihin tayo o ikulong tayo, mag-contribute kayo, five dollars, ten dollars, para paglabas ko sa prisohan, ipagawa ninyo ako monumento katabi ni Rizal. Si Rizal may hawak na libro, akin (gun gesture),” Duterte said.
His statement drew laughter and applause from the OFWs in attendance.
The rumors of Duterte’s arrest stemmed from Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz’s announcement on Sunday that the Marcos administration “is prepared for any eventuality” after hearing reports of an ICC arrest warrant against Duterte for crimes against humanity.
However, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra clarified that no notice or communication regarding a possible arrest warrant had been received from the ICC. Guevarra added that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) serves as the official entry point for such notices as a matter of diplomatic courtesy.
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago also dismissed speculation that the ICC had issued an arrest warrant for Duterte.
Reports suggested that the Philippine National Police (PNP) was on heightened alert, preparing to deploy thousands of officers to arrest Duterte following an alleged Interpol Red Notice. It was claimed that at least 7,000 police personnel would be mobilized to apprehend the former president.
However, Malacañang Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed on Monday that the Palace had not received any information about an Interpol Red Notice against Duterte.
“Wala pa po tayong natatanggap na ano mang communication patungkol sa red notice,” Castro told the media.
Meanwhile, videos shared online showed the Southorn Stadium filled with emotion as Duterte appeared on stage. Supporters were seen crying and holding handwritten messages of love and support for the former president.
“I do not know if you still believe in me,” Duterte began his speech. The crowd responded in unison, “Of course, Tatay Digong, we believe in you!”
Outside the venue, hundreds of OFWs gathered, hoping to be part of the “Pasasalamat.” Duterte waved from his holding room window to those unable to enter the stadium, many of whom were seen crying and shouting his name.
The excitement peaked with the unexpected appearance of Vice President Sara Duterte. As she stepped onto the stage, the crowd surged forward, chanting “Duterte! Duterte!”
“Dasal tayo na yung pagod ninyo ngayon dito ang makinabang ang mga pamilya ninyo at ang mga anak ninyo,” the former president said.
