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ILOILO CITY — Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. expressed confidence in the fairness of the International Criminal Court (ICC), stating that former president Rodrigo Duterte will receive due process in the international tribunal.
"We believe in the fairness of the ICC and also the fairness of our courts," he said in a press conference on Friday.
Defensor, a lawyer by profession, emphasized the Philippines government's obligation to cooperate with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) on the serving of ICC's warrant for the former president.
"I understand that international law is part of our legal system, so we have to let the due process take its course," he said.
Amid Duterte's arrest, Defensor stressed the need to prioritize pressing national issues such as food security and the West Philippines, rather than getting distracted by the recent political developments.
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He also acknowledged the right of Duterte's supporters to protest in Iloilo but said that demonstrations should not disrupt public order.
He called on protesters to have a balance between exercising civil liberties and maintaining public order.
"You are free to exercise your civil liberties, but don't disturb other people's lives," he said.
On March 11, Duterte was arrested by Philippine authorities based on an ICC warrant for alleged crimes against humanity related to his "war on drugs" campaign during his presidency from 2016 to 2022.
Following his arrest, Duterte was transferred to the ICC Detention Center in Scheveningen, The Hague, Netherlands, on March 12 where he awaits the start of the hearing.
