Manila, Philippines – Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been taken into custody after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for his arrest on charges of crimes against humanity.
Duterte, 79, was arrested at Manila’s main airport on March 11, 2025, after returning from Hong Kong. The Philippine government confirmed that Interpol’s Manila office received the official ICC arrest warrant earlier that day.
Why Was Duterte Arrested?
During his presidency (2016–2022), Duterte led a brutal war on drugs that resulted in over 6,000 officially reported deaths, though independent watchdogs claim the true number is much higher.Young guys from underprivileged areas were frequently the victims, who were shot by vigilantes and police.
Claiming that Duterte’s actions were crimes against humanity, the ICC opened an investigation. Even if the Philippines left the ICC in 2019, the court still has jurisdiction over crimes committed between 2016 and 2019.
Duterte’s Response
In a video posted online by his daughter Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, the former president questioned the legality of his arrest.
“What is the law and what is the crime that I committed?” Duterte asked.
His former spokesperson, Harry Roque, called the arrest “unlawful detention,” arguing that the Philippines is no longer an ICC member. However, the ICC maintains it has the right to prosecute cases from Duterte’s presidency.
Will Duterte Be Handed Over to the ICC?
The government of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has suggested that Duterte could be turned over to the ICC. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro stated:
“Our law enforcers are ready to follow what law dictates if the warrant of arrest needs to be served because of a request from Interpol.”
Human Rights Groups Applaud Arrest
Human Rights Watch welcomed the former president’s detention, calling it a major step toward accountability.
“His arrest could bring victims and their families closer to justice and sends the clear message that no one is above the law,” said Bryony Lau, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch.
Duterte’s Legacy and Political Future
Before becoming president, Duterte ruled Davao City as mayor for over 20 years, earning a reputation as a tough-talking, crime-fighting leader. However, he was also accused of leading death squads that carried out extrajudicial killings.
Despite his declining health and the ICC’s scrutiny, Duterte has once again registered to run for mayor of Davao City. His detention raises concerns about his political future and the power struggle between his family and the Marcos regime.
Source: CNN News
