March 11, 2025, Manila, Philippines — Former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by Philippine authorities on Tuesday after the government confirmed it received an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity. The warrant stems from Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign, which led to the deaths of thousands during his time in office.
Duterte, 79, was taken into custody at Manila’s main airport upon returning from Hong Kong. According to the Presidential Communications Office, Interpol’s Manila office received the ICC’s official arrest warrant earlier that morning, triggering the legal actions against him. In a video shared by his daughter, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, the former president questioned the legality of his arrest, asking, “What is the law and what is the crime that I committed?”
The ICC launched an investigation into Duterte’s violent war on drugs, which saw thousands of deaths, many of which were extrajudicial killings, according to independent monitors. The Philippine government, however, claims the number of fatalities is lower. Duterte’s crackdown, which began in 2016, specifically targeted drug dealers and pushers, often with police forces and armed vigilantes accused of carrying out unlawful killings.
Duterte has consistently denied the extrajudicial killings, though he has openly admitted to ordering police to kill suspects who resist arrest. Despite withdrawing the Philippines from the ICC in 2018, the court retains jurisdiction over crimes committed during the membership period, which includes Duterte’s actions between 2016 and 2019.
The current administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has suggested that Duterte could be handed over to the ICC, as reported by Reuters. Meanwhile, Duterte’s former spokesperson, Harry Roque, has criticized the arrest, calling it an unlawful detention since the Philippines had already left the ICC.
Human rights groups, however, have praised the arrest, viewing it as an important step towards accountability. Bryony Lau from Human Rights Watch emphasized that the arrest of Duterte could provide justice for the victims and send a strong message that no one is above the law.
- Source CNN
