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Duterte voids amnesty of critical senator, orders his arrest

Philippine opposition Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV presides over a committee hearing on Civil Service on Tuesday, in suburban Pasay city, south of Manila, Philippines. President Rodrigo Duterte voted an amnesty given to the former rebel military officer, who has been elected senator and is now one of his fiercest critics, and ordered his arrest in a move opponents call illegal and a part of a political crackdown.

Philippine opposition Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV presides over a committee hearing on Civil Service on Tuesday, in suburban Pasay city, south of Manila, Philippines. President Rodrigo Duterte voted an amnesty given to the former rebel military officer, who has been elected senator and is now one of his fiercest critics, and ordered his arrest in a move opponents call illegal and a part of a political crackdown.   | Photo Credit: AP

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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has voided an amnesty given to a former rebel military officer and ordered the arrest of the man who as a senator has been one of the president’s fiercest critics.

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV spoke on Tuesday in the Senate to condemn Mr. Duterte’s move against him as illegal and draconian but added he won’t resist arrest.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Duterte signed a proclamation last week voiding the 2011 amnesty because Trillanes failed to comply with all the amnesty requirements, including a clear admission of his involvement in past coup attempts.

Mr. Guevarra says law enforcers can enforce Duterte’s arrest order anytime.