Details have emerged on how former President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in Manila on March 11, 2025, under a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity related to his controversial “war on drugs.” Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022, was taken into custody shortly after arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Hong Kong. Philippine authorities acted on the ICC’s warrant, which had been disseminated through Interpol, confirming the government’s commitment to international legal obligations.
Following his arrest, Duterte was placed on a chartered flight that departed for The Hague at 11:03 PM local time, where the ICC is headquartered. The warrant against him stems from allegations of extrajudicial killings that occurred during his presidency and earlier as mayor of Davao City. Human rights organizations estimate that over 30,000 individuals may have been killed in the anti-drug campaign, a stark contrast to the official police figures of around 6,000.
The ICC’s investigation into Duterte’s actions began in 2018, shortly after he withdrew the Philippines from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. Despite this withdrawal, the court retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the Philippines was a member. The investigation focused on the systematic killings of suspected drug offenders, often carried out without due process, and the alleged involvement of police forces in these operations.
The arrest has elicited mixed reactions within the Philippines. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. defended the government’s decision to cooperate with the ICC, emphasizing the importance of upholding international law. He stated, “Interpol asked for help and we obliged. This is what the international community expects of us.” Conversely, Duterte’s supporters have expressed outrage over the arrest, viewing it as a politically motivated attack against a leader who they believe acted in the best interests of the nation. Vice President Sara Duterte, the former president’s daughter, described the arrest as “oppression” and an affront to Philippine sovereignty. She has traveled to The Hague to assist her father in organizing his legal defense.
As Duterte is now in the custody of the ICC, legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming weeks. His legal team is reportedly preparing to challenge the ICC’s jurisdiction and the validity of the charges against him. Duterte himself has publicly questioned the basis of the warrant, asserting that he should be tried in Philippine courts rather than facing international prosecution.
Duterte’s arrest is seen as a significant step toward accountability for human rights violations in the Philippines. Activists and human rights organizations have hailed the event as a historic moment for victims of the drug war and their families. The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines stated that Duterte’s arrest marks the beginning of accountability for the mass killings that defined his presidency.
The current administration under President Marcos has indicated a shift in approach regarding drug-related violence, with promises of a less violent strategy compared to Duterte’s methods. However, reports of extrajudicial killings have continued under Marcos’s leadership, raising concerns about the ongoing human rights situation in the country.
The arrest of Rodrigo Duterte represents a watershed moment in the Philippines’ engagement with international human rights law and accountability. As he faces charges at the ICC, the implications of this case will likely resonate throughout the country and beyond, influencing future governance and human rights practices in the Philippines.
News report compiled by Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)
