MANILA, Philippines – The arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte was prearranged and coordinated with the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations revealed during its second hearing on Wednesday, April 3.
Senator Imee Marcos, who chairs the panel, said documents and testimonies point to a prior agreement between the Philippine government and the ICC for Duterte’s arrest on March 11, 2025. The finding contradicts earlier government claims that the arrest was a spontaneous enforcement action.
The committee also brought to light the existence of an alleged operation called “Operation Pursuit”—an 80-page police directive that reportedly contained detailed plans not only to arrest Duterte but also to seize his assets and monitor individuals close to him, including his partner.
Marcos questioned the legality and secrecy surrounding the operation, citing the lack of transparency and possible violations of due process. “This is not simply a law enforcement matter. This was coordinated at the highest levels and kept from public scrutiny,” she said.
The probe is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with more officials and law enforcement personnel summoned to testify. Duterte’s legal team has denied the legitimacy of the arrest, calling it politically motivated and unconstitutional.