7,000 - Strong Force to arrest Duterte - The PNP has been placed on heightened alert following reports that the International Police (Interpol) has issued a red notice for the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, according to a Manila Times report citing an anonymous high-level source.

7,000-STRONG FORCE TO ARREST DUTERTE – REPORT

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has been placed on heightened alert following reports that the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) has issued a red notice for the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, according to a Manila Times report citing an anonymous high-level source.

At least 7,000 police personnel are reportedly being mobilized to track down and apprehend Duterte, who is under investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s war on drugs. Security forces are also securing major entry points across the country, including airports and seaports, in preparation for his return.

Duterte flew to Hong Kong last Friday with his common-law wife, Honeylet Avanceña, his daughter Kitty, and a group of former top security officials. His trip has fueled speculation that he may be evading arrest or seeking refuge in China. However, his former chief legal counsel, Salvador Panelo, denied this, insisting that Duterte traveled to attend an overseas Filipino workers (OFW) gathering in Wan Chai.

During the event, Duterte addressed the crowd, dismissing concerns over the ICC investigation and joking about his legacy. "If this is my fate, I’ll accept it," he said, reiterating his stance that he would not cooperate with the ICC.

While Malacañang said the government is "prepared for any eventuality," it clarified that there is no official confirmation of an ICC arrest warrant. Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz stated that the administration would comply with any lawful requests from Interpol.

The Bureau of Immigration also confirmed that Duterte is not currently subject to a hold departure order, meaning he can freely travel.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the ICC proceedings, the Marcos administration remains cautious in its approach, reiterating its previous stance of non-cooperation with the international court. However, if the ICC formally requests Duterte's custody, it remains to be seen how the government will respond.

Duterte is the only individual named in the reported red notice, raising questions about why other key figures from his drug war—such as former PNP chief and now Sen. Bato Dela Rosa—were not included. Legal experts suggest the ICC may be issuing notices in stages.