Former Philippine Leader Arrested on ICC Charges
Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, was taken into custody on Tuesday following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for his arrest. The charges stem from his controversial war on drugs, which resulted in thousands of deaths, many of which were classified as extrajudicial killings.
Upon arriving in Manila from Hong Kong, Duterte, 79, was detained at the airport in a dramatic scene that drew nationwide attention. The Interpol office in Manila confirmed receiving the ICC’s official arrest warrant, prompting law enforcement to act swiftly.
A Crackdown That Shook the Nation
Duterte’s presidency (2016-2022) was defined by his brutal anti-drug campaign. Official police figures report over 6,000 deaths. However, independent monitors believe the actual number is much higher. Many reports suggest unarmed civilians were targeted by police and vigilante groups. 
Nicknamed “Asia’s Trump”, Duterte was known for his fiery rhetoric and hardline stance on crime. His anti-drug operations disproportionately affected impoverished communities, where many young men were shot by police under suspicion of drug involvement.
The bloodshed drew global criticism, leading the ICC to open an investigation into potential crimes against humanity. Despite his administration withdrawing the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, the court maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed during the country’s membership period.
Government’s Response and International Pressure
Current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who took office in 2022, has indicated that Duterte may be handed over to the ICC. His administration stated that law enforcement is prepared to comply with international legal obligations.
Meanwhile, human rights organizations have welcomed Duterte’s detention, seeing it as a critical step toward justice. Human Rights Watch emphasized that this arrest sends a clear message: no one is above the law.
However, Duterte’s former spokesperson, Harry Roque, called the arrest “unlawful,” arguing that the ICC lost jurisdiction when the Philippines withdrew from the court. He also claimed that authorities had yet to show an official warrant.
The War on Drugs: A Legacy of Controversy
Duterte’s tough-on-crime stance began long before his presidency. As mayor of Davao City, he developed a reputation for eradicating crime with an iron fist. However, reports suggest he was linked to death squads that carried out extrajudicial killings.
His rhetoric was unapologetic. During his 2016 presidential campaign, he openly declared, “Forget human rights. If I become president, I will do what I did as mayor—kill drug dealers and criminals.” Once in power, he maintained this approach, dismissing international criticism and even verbally attacking world leaders like Barack Obama.
Despite his declining health, Duterte recently registered to run for mayor again in his hometown, a move seen as an attempt to protect his political influence amid a rift between his daughter, Sara Duterte, and President Marcos Jr.
What’s Next for Duterte?
While Duterte remains in custody, the Philippine government faces mounting pressure to comply with international legal obligations. The decision on whether to extradite him to The Hague will test the country’s commitment to justice and accountability.
His arrest marks a turning point for the Philippines, potentially redefining its relationship with international law and setting a precedent for future leaders.
