The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, led by Senator Imee Marcos, has found “glaring violations” of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s rights in his March 11 arrest over crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In a preliminary report released March 27, the panel noted that Duterte’s right to liberty and due process was disregarded, as no warrant was issued by either the ICC or a Philippine court. Instead, the Philippine government acted on an unverified Diffusion Notice from the ICC, which lacked approval from Interpol.

“There was no verification by Interpol to ensure compliance with Article 3 of its Constitution, which prohibits politically motivated actions. Moreover, the Philippines was not obligated to surrender Duterte without an extradition or surrender request,” the panel stated.

Despite no binding legal requirement, Philippine authorities took proactive steps to assist the ICC. The Philippine National Police (PNP) mobilized units on March 10, a day before the Diffusion Notice was issued. National Security Adviser Eduardo Año reportedly tracked Duterte’s camp before the arrest, with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also involved.

The panel also criticized the administration’s cooperation with the ICC despite the absence of a formal Red Notice. It dismissed Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla Jr.’s claim that the operation was based on rumors, calling it “incredible” given the government’s prior preparations.

Duterte was denied access to his chosen legal counsel, Vice President Sara Duterte, and was instead assigned lawyers without his consent. His family was reportedly barred from visiting him at Villamor Airbase before his transfer to The Hague.

While DOJ officials initially cited Article 59 of the Rome Statute, which mandates prompt judicial review of an arrest, Duterte was removed from the country before the Supreme Court could rule on his petition for a temporary restraining order (TRO). The panel also criticized the DOJ for shifting its legal justifications, raising concerns over due process violations in Duterte’s arrest.