8-3-2025 (HONG KONG) Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was spotted in Hong Kong’s bustling Causeway Bay district on Saturday afternoon, fuelling speculation about his hasty departure from Manila amid persistent rumours of an imminent International Criminal Court arrest warrant.
Reliable sources informed our correspondent that the controversial ex-leader was seen at approximately 2 pm traversing Lee Theatre Plaza in Causeway Bay. Witnesses described Duterte, flanked by an entourage of roughly ten individuals including security personnel, using an escalator leading towards the building’s restaurant section.
Philippine media outlets have reported that Duterte arrived in Hong Kong on Friday, just as conjecture intensified regarding the ICC potentially issuing a warrant for his arrest. According to these reports, the former president departed the Philippines early Friday morning on a flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 bound for Hong Kong.
The abrupt nature of Duterte’s Hong Kong visit has not been officially explained, prompting widespread speculation that he may be attempting to evade the ICC, which is rumoured to have already issued a warrant for his arrest in connection with his contentious anti-narcotics campaign.
Conjecture regarding Duterte’s potential detention by the ICC has circulated for several months. Notable figures including retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV previously suggested that such a warrant might have been issued as early as last year.
The ICC has been conducting an investigation into Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his controversial war on drugs, which began during his tenure as mayor of Davao City and escalated throughout his presidency.
Given these persistent rumours, some Philippine media outlets have suggested that Duterte might opt not to return to his homeland after his Hong Kong sojourn, potentially seeking sanctuary in mainland China instead.
According to Philippine news sources, Duterte is accompanied by his wife, former first lady Honeylet Avanceña, and their daughter, Victoria “Kitty” Duterte. His travelling party reportedly includes former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea, former Philippine National Police intelligence director Nelson Quinsay and his wife, former PNP official Filmore Escobal and his wife, and former National Intelligence Coordinating Agency director-general Alex Paul Monteagudo.
