Duterte was the Philippine president from 2016 to 2022, during which time he waged a deadly extra-judicial crackdown on drugs. According to Human Rights Watch, over 12,000 Filipinos have died as a result of this war, with at least 2,555 of the killings attributed to the Philippine National Police.

HONG KONG/MANILA >> Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte said in Hong Kong that he was ready for possible arrest amid reports the International Criminal Court (ICC) was poised to issue a warrant over his years-long “war on drugs” that killed thousands.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has said he will accept any possible arrest, following reports that the International Criminal Court may issue a warrant over his "war on drugs" campaign that killed thousands.

An unannounced trip by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to Hong Kong set off speculations on Sunday that he may be trying to evade a possible arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court over his bloody crackdown on drugs while in power.

Duterte says he is ready to face arrest, but analysts warn a warrant could threaten his and his family’s political fortunes.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte could seek asylum in China amid a looming arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, according to a lawyer and former lawmaker.