The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest and investigation of former Philippine President Duterte has caused significant concern among Myanmar’s military leadership, including Min Aung Hlaing and other military commanders in Naypyidaw. The chairman of the military council’s Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), Khin Yi, has publicly criticized the ICC’s actions as erroneous, making these statements through military-affiliated Telegram channels. Khin Yi argued that the ICC’s prosecution of Duterte for crimes against humanity at The Hague, Netherlands, constitutes an infringement on national sovereignty and claimed that the ICC’s jurisdiction over non-member states is inappropriate.
On March 11, the Philippine government arrested Duterte and transferred him to the ICC. Duterte faces charges related to mass killings carried out under the guise of his anti-drug campaign during his presidency. This development has had a notable impact on Min Aung Hlaing and his family, who are also facing potential ICC arrest warrants. Reports indicate that Min Aung Hlaing has ordered the preparation of reports regarding possible scenarios should the ICC issue warrants for his arrest. Khin Yi further argued that the ICC’s actions demonstrate a double standard, suggesting that the court’s influence primarily affects African and Asian nations while having limited impact on certain other countries.
The situation has created palpable anxiety among military leaders in Naypyidaw, who are closely monitoring the ICC’s handling of Duterte’s case. Khin Yi emphasized the need to balance human rights considerations with national sovereignty and rule of law, though he maintained that the ICC’s approach to jurisdiction over non-member states remains fundamentally flawed. The military leadership’s reaction to Duterte’s arrest reflects their growing concern about potential international legal accountability for their own actions, particularly as the ICC continues its preparations for possible action against Myanmar’s military leaders.
