Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was taken into custody on Tuesday after the government received an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity. The arrest follows years of scrutiny over his controversial anti-drug campaign, which resulted in thousands of deaths.
Duterte, 79, was apprehended at Manila’s main airport upon his return from Hong Kong. According to the Presidential Communications Office, Interpol’s Manila branch received the ICC-issued arrest warrant that morning, prompting authorities to act immediately. The Prosecutor General confirmed that Duterte is now in official custody.
Duterte has long denied allegations of extrajudicial killings during his war on drugs, questioning the legal basis of the ICC warrant. In a video posted by his daughter, Veronica Duterte, he stated, “What law did I break? What crime did I commit?”
ICC Investigation and Duterte’s Drug Crackdown
President Rodrigo Duterte, often compared to populist leaders for his aggressive rhetoric, rose to power in 2016, vowing to eliminate drug-related crime. His administration’s brutal campaign led to at least 6,000 deaths based on official police data, but independent watchdogs estimate the number is much higher. Many victims were young men from impoverished areas, allegedly executed without due process.
The ICC launched an investigation into these killings, suspecting they amounted to crimes against humanity. Despite Duterte withdrawing the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, the court retained jurisdiction over offenses committed during the country’s membership, from 2016 to 2019.
Government’s Response and Possible ICC Handover
The current administration, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has hinted that it may comply with ICC procedures. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro stated that law enforcement agencies would follow legal mandates if required to transfer Duterte to ICC custody.
Meanwhile, Duterte’s former spokesperson, Harry Roque, has challenged the warrant’s legitimacy, arguing that the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC invalidates its authority over the country. “This is unlawful detention,” Roque stated, adding that neither the police nor Interpol had presented an official copy of the warrant.
Human Rights Groups Applaud Arrest
Rights organizations see Duterte’s arrest as a step toward justice. Bryony Lau, Deputy Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized that this development sends a strong message: “No one is above the law.” Victims’ families have also expressed hope that this could lead to accountability for the thousands of lives lost.
Duterte’s Legacy and Political Future
Before his presidency, Duterte governed Davao City for over two decades, earning a tough-on-crime reputation. However, his tenure was marked by allegations of vigilante killings. His 2016 presidential campaign echoed this approach, famously dismissing human rights concerns.
Despite his arrest and declining health, Duterte had recently filed to run for mayor of Davao City, possibly aiming to protect his political influence. The move follows tensions within his own family, particularly between his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, and President Marcos Jr.
As the legal battle unfolds, Duterte’s fate remains uncertain. Whether the Philippines will surrender him to the ICC could set a precedent for international justice and accountability.
