Rodrigo Duterte Arrested in Manila on ICC Warrant for Crimes Against Humanity

Rodrigo Duterte, the ex-leader of the Philippines, was detained in Manila on Tuesday after the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest over alleged crimes against humanity during his drug war, which has drawn severe condemnation due to reported extrajudicial killings.

Rodrigo Duterte, who served as president of the Philippines until 2022, was arrested at Manila's airport upon his return from a visit to Hong Kong on Tuesday. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has been investigating him for his controversial war on drugs, during which human rights organizations claim that tens of thousands of people were executed without due process. Despite multiple allegations against him, Duterte, 79, has previously enjoyed a degree of immunity and continued to be a prominent political figure in the country.

Duterte’s leadership was characterized by his radical approach to drug-related crime, prompting international outrage and calls for accountability related to the numerous deaths associated with his campaign. The Philippine government reported that he was taken into custody without incident.

This event signals a significant shift for Duterte, who has avoided serious repercussions since leaving office. Few individuals have faced charges relating to the killings during his administration, highlighting the challenges in addressing human rights violations in the Philippines.

As this story continues to unfold, more information is expected on the implications of Duterte’s arrest and the international response to the ICC's actions against him.