Source Claims Rodrigo Duterte was Reportedly Denied Asylum in China
RODRIGO DUTERTE – A report claims that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was allegedly denied his request for asylum in China.
Duterte allegedly sought asylum in China before his arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC), but was denied, according to a trusted source cited in a report by GMA News.
In a 24 Oras report by Maki Pulido on Thursday, the source disclosed that Philippine authorities had been preparing for Duterte’s arrest as early as January under Oplan Tugis, a targeted operation by the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG). The operation was planned to execute the ICC-issued arrest warrant against Duterte for crimes against humanity related to his controversial war on drugs.
Duterte flew to Hong Kong on March 7 to attend an event with Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). The CIDG had initially intended to arrest Duterte in Hong Kong, but the Hong Kong Police Force refused to cooperate with Interpol, citing that China is not a member or party to the Rome Statute — the treaty that established the ICC.
Despite the refusal of assistance from Hong Kong authorities, Philippine law enforcement closely monitored Duterte’s movements through four CIDG agents stationed in Hong Kong. Duterte eventually returned to the Philippines on March 11, accompanied by six members of the Hong Kong Police, who ensured that he boarded his flight back home.
According to the same source, Duterte allegedly sought asylum in China during his stay in Hong Kong but was denied. Reports suggest that Duterte had secured five different flight bookings back to the Philippines before ultimately deciding to return. Upon his arrival, Duterte was immediately taken into custody by the CIDG under Oplan Tugis.
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Following his arrest, Duterte was transferred to the ICC detention center in The Hague, where he now faces trial for alleged human rights violations and extrajudicial killings during his presidency.
However, Duterte’s family and close allies have denied the asylum rumors. His daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, and former PNP Chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa both refuted the claim. Duterte’s former legal counsel, Salvador Panelo, also denied the allegations in a statement to the New York Times.
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