Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport on March 11, following an Interpol warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The 79-year-old, known for his controversial “war on drugs” that led to thousands of deaths, now faces prosecution for crimes against humanity in The Hague.
Duterte, who led the Southeast Asian nation from 2016 to 2022, was detained by law enforcement officials as he attempted to leave the country.
The arrest marks a significant moment for human rights advocates, who have long called for accountability over extrajudicial killings linked to his administration’s anti-narcotics campaign.
During his presidency, Duterte granted law enforcement broad authority to eliminate suspected drug offenders, a policy that human rights groups say led to widespread abuses.
Official government figures report at least 6,000 deaths, though independent estimates place the toll at more than 12,000.
Many of the victims were low-income individuals accused of minor drug offenses, with reports of police executing suspects without trial.
The ICC launched an investigation into Duterte’s drug war in 2018, citing allegations of systematic extrajudicial killings carried out under his leadership.
In response, Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the Rome Statute in 2019, attempting to shield himself from prosecution. However, the ICC maintained jurisdiction over crimes committed before the withdrawal.
Despite initial resistance from his successor, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the current administration has shifted its stance in recent months, distancing itself from Duterte.
The arrest is seen as a move signaling a break from past policies and a willingness to cooperate with international justice mechanisms.
Following his detention, Duterte is expected to be transferred to The Hague, where he will undergo pre-trial proceedings.
ICC prosecutors must establish sufficient grounds to proceed to a full trial, a process that typically takes several months. If convicted, Duterte could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
His legal team has condemned the arrest, arguing that the case is politically motivated. Supporters of the former president have also criticized the move, claiming the crackdown was necessary to curb the nation’s drug problem.
However, families of victims and international observers have welcomed the development, calling it a long-overdue step toward justice.
As Duterte awaits his day in court, the case is poised to set a precedent for global accountability, testing the ICC’s authority in prosecuting former heads of state accused of human rights violations.
