Former President Rodrigo Duterte was denied asylum by China just days before his arrest by Philippine authorities under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant, according to a trusted source familiar with the operation.
In a report aired by 24 Oras, the source said Duterte’s arrest was planned as early as January through a coordinated operation called Oplan Tugis, led by the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), following orders from PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil.
Duterte’s Attempt to Flee and Arrest Planning
On March 7, the same day the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber issued an arrest warrant against Duterte for crimes against humanity related to his drug war, the former president traveled to Hong Kong for an OFW event. The CIDG, in coordination with Interpol, intended to arrest him there, but Hong Kong police declined to cooperate—citing China’s non-participation in the Rome Statute.
According to the source, Duterte sought asylum in China but was rejected. Despite booking five confirmed flights back to the Philippines, CIDG agents closely monitored his movements.
Psy Ops and Airport Maneuvers
Authorities deployed psychological tactics to deter Duterte from returning to Davao City, where arrest would be more complicated due to his local support base. Two PNP Special Action Force (SAF) battalions were stationed at Davao Airport as a warning.
Instead, Duterte flew back to Manila on March 11. At NAIA Terminal 3, authorities conducted four dry runs ahead of his arrival. A total of 60 CIDG and 20 SAF personnel were stationed to execute the arrest.
Duterte’s plane was directed to Gate 116—close to a tarmac access elevator. From there, he and his entourage were discreetly transported via PNP coasters across the runway to Villamor Airbase.
Twelve hours after landing in the Philippines, Duterte was on a chartered jet to The Hague, Netherlands, where he is now in ICC custody.