ICC arrest imminent for Duterte’s Philippine drugs war ally Dela Rosa: ombudsman

Philippine Senator Ronald Dela Rosa takes a selfie with Rodrigo Duterte’s supporters in Davao City on March 28. Photo: Reuters The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Philippine Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who oversaw then-president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, according to the nation’s ombudsman, although the ICC denied the assertion. Duterte, […]

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Philippines’ No 1 Asean chair priority? A South China Sea code, then a visit by Xi

By Raissa Roblesin Manila It was a fleeting handshake, but one that Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr made sure was caught on camera. On November 1, Marcos approached Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Apec handover ceremony in Gyeongju, South Korea, to offer his congratulations as Beijing assumed the trade bloc’s 2026 chairmanship. A Filipino […]

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ICC issues arrest warrant for ally of Philippine ex-President Duterte over drug war, ombudsman says

MANILA, Nov 8 : The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Philippine Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who oversaw then-President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, the nation’s ombudsman said on Saturday, although the ICC denied the assertion. Duterte, in office from 2016 to 2022, was arrested and taken to The Hague in March […]

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South China Sea: does new US-Philippine task force mark turning point in allies’ ties?

By Sam Beltran The United States and the Philippines have launched a new military task force designed to expand joint operational planning and coordination – a move analysts say underscores both countries’ determination to strengthen deterrence against Beijing’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea. While the initiative formalises years of expanding defence ties, observers […]

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South China Sea: why US is eyeing Philippines’ coastguard with 3-year training plan

By Jeoffrey Maitem Manila’s long-time ally, the United States, has launched a training programme aimed at strengthening the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) operational strategies and maritime law enforcement capabilities. The move, however, could deepen dependence on Washington under the guise of civilian capacity-building, according to some observers, who point to a familiar “pattern” inherent in […]

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Is accountability looming for Philippines’ Duterte? Survey shows ‘growing demand for justice’

By Sam Beltran Half of Filipinos believe that former president Rodrigo Duterte should be held accountable for the deaths related to his bloody drug war, with observers pointing out the findings of a new survey could further “lend legitimacy and support” to an international court’s investigation into the ex-leader. The results come amid the International […]

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Philippines accuses China of ramming vessel near disputed island as tensions soar

MANILA: The Philippines accused Chinese maritime forces of using water cannon and ramming a Filipino vessel near the Philippine-occupied Thitu Island, calling the actions a “clear threat” that escalates tensions in contested South China Sea waters. The Philippines Coast Guard said three Filipino vessels, including the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, were anchored near Thitu Island, locally […]

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ICC rejects release bid from ex-Philippines president Duterte

THE HAGUE: Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte will remain in the custody of the International Criminal Court after judges Friday rejected a request from his defense team for release on medical grounds. “The Chamber finds that Mr.Duterte’s detention continues to remain necessary,” the ICC said in its ruling. ICC prosecutors have charged Duterte with three […]

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