The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest and investigation of former Philippine President Duterte has caused significant concern among Myanmar’s military leadership, particularly Min Aung Hlaing and other military commanders in Naypyidaw. Duterte was arrested on March 11 by Philippine authorities and transferred to The Hague, Netherlands, following an ICC warrant for crimes against humanity related to his deadly drug war that resulted in numerous civilian deaths.
In response to this development, USDP Chairman Khin Yi claimed that the ICC’s actions constitute an infringement on national sovereignty. He criticized the ICC for what he described as selective enforcement, arguing that the court primarily targets African and Asian nations while applying double standards to certain other countries. However, sources indicate that there is growing anxiety in Naypyidaw, particularly as the ICC is reportedly preparing to issue an arrest warrant for Min Aung Hlaing.
Reports suggest that Min Aung Hlaing has ordered assessments of potential scenarios should the ICC issue a warrant for his arrest. The prosecution of former President Duterte has created a wave of apprehension among military leaders in Naypyidaw, as the ICC continues its investigations into crimes against humanity, including those committed against the Rohingya by Myanmar’s military. The ICC’s role as an international tribunal responsible for prosecuting serious crimes against humanity has become a source of increasing concern for Myanmar’s military leadership, particularly in light of recent developments with the Duterte case.
