DOCUMENTS from the International Criminal Court revealed that the government knew beforehand about former president Rodrigo Duterte's impending arrest.
Government officials have denied that they had prior knowledge of the arrest warrant.
The documents detail prior consultations between Philippine authorities and international agencies, indicating that the government had not only been informed of the arrest request but had also agreed to comply with it.
Duterte was arrested last Tuesday shortly after arriving from Hong Kong and flown just hours later to the International Criminal Court (ICC) headquarters in The Hague, where he faces a trial for alleged complicity to crimes against humanity linked to the war on drugs during his presidency.
Official communications confirm that Philippine authorities were consulted in advance about the request.
The ICC Diffusion request for Duterte's arrest was transmitted to the Philippine government before any public announcement was made.
"The Diffusion is transmitted after prior consultations with the Government of the Philippines, who have agreed to comply with this request for arrest," the document read.
The Diffusion request was not officially verified by Interpol's General Secretariat to determine if it complies with all of the organization's rules and legal frameworks.
Unlike a Red Notice, which goes through a formal review by the General Secretariat, a Diffusion is directly sent to member countries through Interpol's communication channels without prior vetting.
The distinction raises concerns about the due process followed in Duterte's case.
The Interpol Notices and Diffusions Task Force (NDTF) is responsible for reviewing the legality and compliance of notices and Diffusions. If concerns arise, Interpol members may refer it to the NDTF for further examination.
In Duterte's case, since the Diffusion is active, authorities have been called to act on it, yet the lack of formal review leaves room for potential legal challenges.
Duterte's legal team could argue that the request is politically motivated and does not meet Interpol's constitutional safeguards against politically driven cases.
The revelation of the government's prior knowledge and agreement to Duterte's arrest raises bigger concerns regarding transparency and its position on the ICC's investigation.
Duterte has been charged under Article 7(1)(a) of the Rome Statute for orchestrating extrajudicial killings linked to his "drug war" from 2011 to 2019.
High-ranking officials had consistently denied they knew in advance about the ICC warrant.
Legal experts and human rights advocates have criticized the government's contradictory statements, arguing that misleading denials further undermine its credibility in the ICC probe and cast doubt on its commitment to international legal obligations.
"These documents confirm that the government's public denials were false. Philippine authorities were aware of the arrest plans and coordinated with the ICC," a legal analyst told The Manila Times.
On Sunday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it would assist the Interpol in serving arrest warrants for Duterte's co-accused.
"We know that aside from the former president, other people are also being investigated, and since someone has already been arrested, we more or less already have a template," PNP spokesman BGen. Jean Fajardo said.
"In case warrants cropped up and the Interpol asked for assistance, the PNP is very much willing to provide assistance in its implementation in accordance with existing law," Fajardo said.
She said the government provided the necessary assistance to Duterte, including medical services, after he was brought to The Hague.
Fajardo also dispelled reports on social media that several police officers have resigned in support of Duterte.
"These are all fake news; that's why we always appeal to everybody to be discerning and vigilant, and not to believe anything they see on social media," she said.
Source: https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/03/17/news/ph-govt-consulted-on-dutertes-arrest/2074080
Naypyidaw, Myanmar – Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) and Prime Minister of Myanmar, will soon undertake an official state-level goodwill visit to the Russian Federation at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to an official statement from the SAC information team.
During the visit, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing is scheduled to hold meetings with President Vladimir Putin, the Russian Prime Minister, and the Speaker of the Russian State Duma. Discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing economic and security cooperation, and expanding strategic partnerships across various sectors.
The Senior General will be accompanied by members of the SAC, government ministers, and senior officials. The visit aims to reinforce the longstanding friendship between Myanmar and Russia while fostering collaboration between the two governments and their people.
knl/ymg
Yangon, December 3, 2024
Discussions on preliminary preparations for the construction of the Kunming-Kyaukpyu railway, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity between China and Myanmar, have begun, the Chinese Embassy in Yangon has confirmed.
Dr. Zheng Zhihong, Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, addressed a question from Myanmar media about the development of the China-Myanmar railway project during the China-Myanmar Media Tea Party held on December 2 at the Wyndham Grand Yangon Hotel.
"The relevant departments are in discussions regarding the early preparations. Establishing a favorable environment is crucial for the project's success," said the Chinese diplomat. "This railway is a vital initiative for both countries, serving as a strategic project that aligns with the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. It has the potential to significantly enhance Myanmar's economic development and cultural integration."
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister of Myanmar, discussed the Kunming-Kyaukpyu railway project with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during their meeting in Kunming, Yunnan Province, on November 6. The Senior General expressed his desire to initiate construction of the railway wherever feasible.
#ymg/knl
Yangon, Myanmar, 29 November
The CLMV countries—Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam—have introduced an initiative for a joint tourism campaign under the banner "Four Countries, One Destination."
The proposal was made during the 7th Meeting of Tourism Ministers of the CLMV countries, held at the Sedona Hotel in Yangon, Myanmar. This initiative aims to strengthen regional tourism collaboration and promote a unified travel experience across the four countries.
During the meeting, the ministers approved the Tourism Cooperation Action Plan (2025-2026), outlining steps to enhance tourism development. Senior officials from the respective tourism ministries and lead country coordinators were tasked with implementing the plan effectively.
The gathering also recognized Myanmar's successful hosting of the event. The meeting was presided over by Myanmar's Union Minister of Hotels and Tourism, Dr. Thant Thant Khine, and attended by tourism ministers from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the CLMV countries to boost regional tourism and foster economic growth through shared initiatives.
@knl/ymg
Naypyidaw, Myanmar, 27 November – Myanmar's ruling body, the State Administration Council (SAC), has officially dismissed reports claiming that the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has sought an arrest warrant for Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the Chairman of the SAC.
"Myanmar is not a member of the ICC and, therefore, does not recognize any statements or actions made by the court," stated the SAC's Information Team.
The statement further emphasized that Myanmar adheres to an independent, active, and non-aligned foreign policy in its relations with regional and international communities. It also promotes peaceful coexistence among nations.
International news outlets reported on 27 November that ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim A. A. Khan had submitted a request to the court seeking an arrest warrant for Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in connection with alleged crimes committed against the Bengali community in 2017.
@ymg/knl
Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar — Chairman of Myanmar's State Administration Council (SAC), Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, urged ASEAN police member countries to collaborate in tackling cross-border crimes. He made this statement during a meeting with representatives of ASEAN police forces at the 42nd ASEAN Police Conference, held in the capital, Nay Pyi Taw.
“Joint efforts between the police forces of each country will be crucial in combating drug trafficking, arms and ammunition smuggling, and online fraud,” said the Senior General. He also expressed his gratitude for the active participation of ASEAN members in the conference, which took place from October 23 to 24.
Leaders of the ASEAN Police Delegation and the Executive Director of the ASEAN Police Secretariat conveyed their appreciation for Myanmar’s hospitality. They then discussed cooperation in the area of training and joint efforts to combat transnational crimes.
The conference emphasized the ASEAN police forces' dedication to bolstering regional security and enhancing collaboration in law enforcement, including addressing the growing challenges posed by transnational crime.
#ymg/knl
MANDALAY, Myanmar – October 19th, 2024: An explosion occurred at the Chinese Consulate in Mandalay on the evening of October 18th, causing some damage to the building. The explosion took place around 4:30 PM at the consulate located in Chanmyathazi Township, Mandalay, the cultural capital of Myanmar.
Security personnel who responded to the incident found that the blast had occurred on the roof of the two-story consulate building, causing approximately 2 feet of damage to the roof tiles. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or other significant damages.
The Information Team of the ruling State Administration Council released a statement on October 19th, confirming that security forces are working closely with consulate officials to investigate the cause of the explosion and apprehend those responsible. Additional security measures have been implemented in the area to ensure safety and prevent further incidents.
#ymg/knl
