Duterte’s human rights not violated during his arrest: De Leon | The Big Story | Filipina human rights stories

De Leon: Duterte Arrested Within Law, Human Rights Upheld | The Big Story

MANILA – In a significant development concerning the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, The Hague Academy for International Law alumnus Attorney Dino De Leon affirmed that the process followed strict adherence to legal protocols and did not violate the former leader’s human rights.

De Leon, a recognized expert in international law, stated that Duterte’s arrest earlier this week at his Davao City residence was conducted properly. “The arrest was executed in line with established legal procedures and warrants,” De Leon explained. “There was no indication of any violation of his human rights during the apprehension.” He emphasized that law enforcement officials acted within the bounds of the law, respecting due process.

The arrest stems from an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant of arrest issued in connection with the ongoing investigation into the “War on Drugs” campaign during Duterte’s presidency. Duterte has consistently denied the ICC’s jurisdiction, arguing the Philippines has an ongoing judicial process and that his government is cooperating fully with domestic mechanisms addressing alleged extrajudicial killings.

“Atty. De Leon’s perspective aligns with the principle that even high-profile individuals are subject to the law when international bodies issue binding warrants like those from the ICC,” a legal analyst noted, adding that the manner of the arrest was crucial for maintaining public confidence in the process.

De Leon’s statement serves as a counterpoint to concerns raised by some quarters regarding potential rights violations during such a high-profile arrest, particularly concerning former heads of state. His background with The Hague Academy lends weight to his assessment of the procedural correctness observed.

The arrest marks a critical step in the ICC’s investigation into crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the Duterte administration. The former president is expected to face legal challenges in the Philippines regarding cooperation with the ICC, though his arrest facilitates potential future proceedings before the international court.

Legal Basis Upheld
De Leon stressed that the warrant’s execution was not arbitrary. “Law enforcement officers conducted the operation professionally, ensuring minimal disruption and informing the subject of the charges,” he stated. This procedural transparency, he argued, is fundamental to upholding both the rule of law and individual rights, even in complex international contexts.

As the legal battle continues domestically and internationally, De Leon’s viewpoint reinforces that the initial phase – the arrest itself – was handled with due regard for legal obligations and human rights standards.

Follow us for the latest news and public service information!

One PH
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OnePHonCignal
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oneph_cignal

One News
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ONENewsPH
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1newsph/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onenewsph

Subscribe to the One PH channel and click the bell icon: https://www.youtube.com/@OnePHonCignal