Former President Rodrigo Duterte reportedly sought asylum in China after an arrest warrant was issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Still, his request was rejected, prompting him to return to the Philippines.
According to a GMA 7 report, the Philippine government had been planning Duterte’s arrest since January under “Oplan Tugis” once the ICC warrant was released.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) coordinated with Interpol to apprehend Duterte, who was in Hong Kong on March 7 for an event for overseas Filipino workers.
However, Hong Kong police refused to cooperate with the arrest, as China is not a member of the ICC.
Duterte returned to the Philippines on March 11, after his asylum bid in China failed and Hong Kong authorities ensured his departure.
Source: PhilNews24 | March 21, 2025
