Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Teodoro Locsin Jr. claimed that former president Rodrigo Duterte was not arrested by the International Criminal Court (ICC) but was “abducted by Filipinos and handed over to foreigners.”
Duterte is currently detained at The Hague over crimes against humanity linked to his war on drugs.
Locsin, who served as Duterte’s Foreign Affairs secretary, criticized the move as “treason” and a “confession of national weakness.”
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said she would verify Locsin’s statements, while Sen. Imee Marcos echoed his view, saying the Philippines had effectively surrendered Duterte to the ICC.
Locsin’s remarks have stirred debate over sovereignty and accountability amid the former president’s pending trial.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 15, 2025
