Context Dispatch

The Supreme Court on Wednesday denied the petition of former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Ronald Dela Rosa to immediately halt their arrest following warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity related to Duterte’s controversial war on drugs.  “After a virtual deliberation on the 94-page petition, the Court found that the petitioners failed to establish a clear and unmistakable right for the immediate issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)," the Court said in a statement. The Court also directed Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and other respondents to comment on the TRO request within 10 days. Duterte was arrested Tuesday and has been flown to The Hague in the Netherlands, where the ICC is based.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to address the nation tonight on the arrest earlier Tuesday of former President Rodrigo Duterte by Interpol agents, who served a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity committed by the former Philippine leader during his administration’s deadly anti-drug campaign between 2016 and 2019. The Philippines withdrew membership from the ICC in 2019. Ex-President Duterte and several of his aides have been transferred to a chartered plane that will fly them to The Hague, where the ICC is headquartered.

The Presidential Communications Office on Tuesday said former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested and placed in detention by Interpol agents upon his arrival in Manila following a  trip to Hong Kong. The Manila unit of the Interpol received the warrant from the International Criminal Court at dawn. The warrant was served by the ICC Prosecutor General and was issued for crimes against humanity. Duterte is now 79 years old.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Monday announced the seizure of P29 million worth of suspected marijuana and kush oil concealed in balikbayan boxes at the Manila International Container Port (MICP). The boxes, which arrived from Canada, were declared to contain used household goods and personal effects, and consigned to a residence in General Trias, Cavite. Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio condemned the use of balikbayan boxes for smuggling illegal drugs, emphasizing how it tarnishes a Filipino tradition of sending gifts to loved ones abroad. "Using them for something illegal is an insult to our hardworking OFWs and their families," Rubio remarked.

The Bureau of the Treasury said its official Facebook page has been compromised, denying the agency access to the social media account. In response, the Treasury urged the public to ignore any posts, messages, or announcements coming from the compromised page. The Bureau is working swiftly to regain control and resolve the issue. In the meantime, officials recommend relying on the Treasury’s verified communication channels, including its official website, www.treasury.gov.ph, for accurate updates and announcements. The BTr appreciates the public’s cooperation and caution during this ongoing security breach.