Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on Tuesday at Manila’s international airport following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The warrant is tied to the ICC’s investigation into the thousands of killings during Duterte’s controversial “war on drugs,” which defined his presidency from 2016 to 2022.
Duterte, 79, was taken into custody upon his arrival from Hong Kong. The Philippine government confirmed that Interpol Manila received the official copy of the ICC arrest warrant earlier in the day, and the former leader is now in the custody of authorities.
The War on Drugs
Duterte’s war on drugs was a central pillar of his presidency, marked by a brutal crackdown that resulted in the deaths of thousands of suspected drug dealers and users. Official police figures state that at least 6,200 people were killed during anti-drug operations, but human rights groups estimate the death toll to be much higher, ranging from 12,000 to 30,000.
Many of the victims were young men from impoverished urban areas, often shot dead in the streets by police or unidentified assailants.
The ICC’s investigation covers alleged crimes against humanity committed between November 2011 and March 2019, including Duterte’s tenure as mayor of Davao City and his presidency. The court asserts jurisdiction over crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member of the ICC, despite the country’s withdrawal in 2019.
Duterte’s Response
In a video posted by his daughter, Veronica Duterte, the former president questioned the basis for his arrest, asking, “What is the law and what is the crime that I committed?” He also stated, “I was brought here not of my own volition, it is somebody else’s. You have to answer now for the deprivation of liberty”.
Duterte has consistently defended his anti-drug campaign, claiming he only ordered police to kill in self-defense. He has also expressed willingness to “rot in jail” if it meant ridding the Philippines of drugs.
Reactions to the Arrest
The arrest has sparked mixed reactions. Human rights groups and families of victims hailed it as a significant step toward justice. Randy delos Santos, the uncle of a teenager killed during an anti-drug operation in 2017, called it a “long-awaited day for justice”.
However, Duterte’s allies have criticized the arrest as unlawful. His former legal counsel, Salvador Panelo, argued that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines and that the arrest violated Duterte’s constitutional rights.
Next Steps
It remains unclear whether Duterte will be transferred to The Hague to face trial. The Philippine government, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has indicated it would comply with ICC requests but has not yet confirmed its plans.
Duterte’s arrest marks a pivotal moment in the ICC’s pursuit of accountability for the alleged crimes committed during his presidency. As the legal process unfolds, the case is expected to draw significant attention both domestically and internationally.
