Former President Rodrigo Duterte flew to Hong Kong on Friday amid growing speculation over a possible International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against him.

He boarded Cathay Pacific flight CX912, which departed Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at 8:41 a.m. and arrived in Hong Kong at 10:25 a.m. He had traveled from Davao City to Manila on March 6, stayed overnight in Taguig City, and proceeded to the airport the next morning.

Duterte’s former chief presidential legal counsel, Salvador Panelo, dismissed speculation that the trip was an escape, stating that the former president is in Hong Kong for a gathering of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on Sunday, March 9, at Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai. He is expected to thank OFWs for their continued support of him and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte.

Speculation over Duterte’s possible ICC arrest has been circulating for months, with opposition figures such as retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV suggesting that a warrant could have been issued as early as last year.

The ICC is investigating Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity in connection with his bloody war on illegal drugs, dating back to his tenure as Davao City mayor and Philippine president. Amid persistent rumors, questions remain about whether Duterte will return to the Philippines after his Hong Kong engagement or seek refuge in China.

Malacañang has stated that the government would be “obliged” to turn Duterte over to the ICC if a request is made through Interpol.