DAVAO CITY, Philippines—Reports of an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant of arrest for former President Rodrigo Duterte have triggered a strong reaction in Davaoeños, with many expressing outrage and threatening resistance.
Hours after Newsline Philippines posted the unverified report of a possible ICC warrant, 464 netizens reacted. The majority showed anger and dissent, calling the warrant politically motivated and unjustified.
Social media platforms were quickly flooded with messages of discontent, with many users comparing the situation to that of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who disregarded the ICC’s authority.
One viral comment read: “Pag naamoy makita nga taga ICC diri sa Davao, hiposa.” (If we see ICC representatives here in Davao, they should be eliminated.)
Another user expressed disbelief at the rumors: “Duterte did what was necessary to keep the country safe. The ICC has no right to dictate our laws.”
Netizens even accused media agencies of being fake news purveyors.
Some went as far as warning of civil unrest, claiming that Davaoeños are ready to defend Duterte if any international body attempts to detain him.
Adding to the tension, the Police Regional Office XI (PRO XI) conducted a simulation exercise (SIMEX) at Francisco Bangoy International Airport on the same day, further fueling speculation among Duterte supporters. Several travelers and bystanders at the airport were alarmed when they saw three police vehicles loaded with personnel from a provincial police unit, deployed near the terminal entrance.
Police PRO XI Spokesperson, Police Major Catherine Dela Rey, clarified that uniformed officers were part of a pre-planned security drill and had no connection to the ICC rumors.
“It is an ongoing simulation exercise, and we don’t know when it will be conducted,” Dela Rey told Newsline. “It is not the RMFB but another provincial police office. I don’t have an idea until when, as it depends on the scenario they are undertaking.”
Despite this explanation, some netizens speculated that the heightened police activity was a precautionary measure, possibly linked to the alleged ICC warrant.
No confirmed warrant is listed on the ICC’s official website against Duterte. The ICC has been investigating the extrajudicial killings linked to the war on drugs. Still, any move to issue an arrest warrant would require a whole legal proceeding and coordination with Philippine authorities.
Malacañang addressed the issue on Sunday as public debate rages, stating that the government is prepared for any eventuality.
“We’ve heard that an arrest warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court against former President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity,” said Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Ad Interim Secretary Jay Ruiz in an official statement. “The government is prepared for any eventuality.”
However, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro later clarified to GMA News Online that there is no confirmation yet from Malacañang on the issuance of the arrest warrant.
With Davao’s political climate intensifying, combining an unverified ICC warrant and heightened police visibility has only increased public concern. Whether the ICC will confirm or deny the warrant rumors remains uncertain, but the situation has already ignited strong nationalist and political sentiments among Davaoeños.
For now, the speculation alone has reignited fierce debates on sovereignty, international law, and Duterte’s role in Philippine history.
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
