Philippine's top court refuses to issue restraining order on ex-President Duterte's arrest

KARACHI, Pakistan

The Philippines' top court on Wednesday refused to issue a temporary restraining order sought by former President Rodrigo Duterte following his arrest and transportation to The Hague to face trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The supreme court found that Duterte and Senator Bato Dela Rosa, a fellow petitioner, failed to establish a clear and unmistakable right for the issuance of a temporary restraining order, local English daily Phil Star reported.

The apex court, however, directed the respondents to comment on the petition within a non-extendible period of 10 days from notice.

The ex-president was flown to The Hague to face trial at the ICC on Tuesday evening, after being arrested at the Manila International Airport on his arrival from Hong Kong on Tuesday morning for alleged crimes against humanity during his "war on drugs."

Duterte's daughter and the country's Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday also left for The Hague to help arrange the legal team of her father.