Former President Rodrigo Duterte projected a devil-may-care attitude on Sunday before overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong over reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is out to arrest him.

During a trip to the Chinese territory with his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, the former chief executive said the news was nothing new as the ICC has been “looking for him.”

Speaking mainly in expletive-laden Filipino, Duterte addressed the OFWs at the Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, saying that if he is arrested by the ICC, then so be it.

Still, he said that if the accusation that his administration got rid of persons engaged in the illegal narcotics trade is true, it was not for his benefit but for the Filipino people he saved from the drug menace.

He joked that if he’s arrested, OFWs could donate $5 to $10 to fund the construction of a monument for him alongside that of National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal at the Luneta in Manila.

“If Rizal’s (monument) is shown carrying books, mine would be doing this,” Duterte said, making the sign of a gun or of being handsome with one hand.

The Dutertes were in Hong Kong along with their senatorial bets for the May 2025 elections, including Rep. Rodante Marcoleta and Sen. Bong Go.

Also on Sunday, Malacañang assured cooperation with the ICC in the event a warrant of arrest had been issued against Duterte over crimes against humanity allegations against him.

The ICC opened an investigation into Duterte’s controversial war on drugs in 2021, following allegations of widespread extrajudicial killings under his administration.

Official police data states that about 7,000 people were killed in state operations against drug personalities during Duterte’s presidency from 2016 to 2022. However, human rights groups and Duterte’s critics claim the death toll may be three times as high.

Duterte and his allies have consistently dismissed the ICC’s jurisdiction, arguing that the Philippines’ withdrawal from the court in 2019 means it no longer has authority over the country.

Seeking refuge?

The ICC, however, maintains it has jurisdiction over cases that occurred while the Philippines was still a member.

Duterte’s former legal counsel, Salvador Panelo, dismissed speculation that the ex-president might seek refuge in China. He insisted that Duterte is in Hong Kong purely for the PDP Laban campaign sortie.

The timing of the trip, however, has fueled speculation, especially given Duterte’s closeness with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In 2023, Duterte had a secret meeting with the Chinese leader.

Likewise, Duterte told the OFWs that he would be staying in Hong Kong for at least a month.

“We’ve heard that an arrest warrant has been issued by the ICC against former President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity. The government is prepared for any eventuality,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz said in a Viber message to reporters.

In a separate message, Palace Press Officer and PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro said they have not yet confirmed whether an arrest warrant has been issued for Duterte.

However, she cited previous remarks by Executive Secretary (ES) Lucas Bersamin and Secretary of Justice (SoJ)Crispin Remulla that the government is legally obligated to cooperate with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in executing an arrest of a Filipino citizen.

Hold-departure order

“No confirmation of an arrest warrant from the Palace. But as ES Bersamin and SoJ Remulla said before, if Interpol requests the necessary assistance from the government, it is obliged to comply,” Castro said.

She said that a hold-departure order would be issued against Duterte if an arrest warrant is formally sent out.

While Castro confirmed the government’s cooperation in Duterte’s potential arrest, she pointed out that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has maintained the position that the ICC no longer holds jurisdiction over the Philippines since the country withdrew from the organization in 2019.

In November last year, Bersamin stated that the Philippines would “accord full cooperation” to Interpol if it issues a red notice against Duterte.

“If the ICC refers the process to Interpol, which may then transmit a red notice to Philippine authorities, the government will feel obliged to consider the red notice as a request to be honored,” Bersamin said.

Over the weekend, a video circulating on social media showed Duterte at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), sparking online speculation that he was attempting to leave the country in anticipation of the ICC’s arrest order.

Duterte reportedly departed Manila via Cathay Pacific flight CX912 from NAIA Terminal 3, bound for Hong Kong.

He allegedly flew from Davao to Manila on Thursday night via Philippine Airlines flight PR 2829. He then stayed briefly at a residence in Bonifacio Global City before heading to NAIA Terminal 3 for his flight on Saturday.

In a press conference on Sunday, Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado said they have not yet received information regarding Duterte’s flight abroad.

“We have not yet been able to verify that matter. We will look into it,” he told reporters.

Meanwhile, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said they also have yet to confirm any ICC warrant against Duterte. “We have not received any such notice from the ICC,” he said.

Speaking in the same HK event, the Vice President said she’s no longer endorsing candidates because in 2022, she already was scammed by someone who promised “unity,” apparently referring to President Marcos.