Duterte Detained: Former Philippine President Arrested on ICC Drug War Warrant

The arrest comes as the International Criminal Court seeks accountability for thousands of deaths linked to Duterte’s war on drugs during his presidency.

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested at Manila International Airport following a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) accusing him of crimes against humanity related to his infamous anti-drug campaign. The former leader, who was recently returning from Hong Kong, is alleged to have overseen thousands of extrajudicial killings during his presidency from 2016 to 2022.

Upon his arrival, police apprehended the 79-year-old, who had previously stated he was prepared for prison. Duterte's brutal "war on drugs" was characterized by a significant number of deaths, sparking international condemnation and calls for accountability. In a statement, Peter Murphy, chairperson of the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines, described the arrest as a "historic moment," emphasizing that it signals the beginning of justice for the many victims of Duterte's violent policies.

Conversely, Salvador Panelo, Duterte's former spokesperson, criticized the arrest as "unlawful," citing the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC. However, the ICC maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed before that withdrawal. The global scrutiny of Duterte’s actions intensified after many of his police brutality incidents, including his infamous comments comparing drug addicts to Jews in Nazi Germany, gained international attention.

Duterte's presidency was marked by his attempts to portray an image of a tough, anti-establishment leader who intended to rid the nation of crime, earning him both a loyal following and extensive criticism. His anti-drug crusade was believed to have led to over 6,000 deaths, but human rights organizations argue that the toll may be significantly higher due to targeted killings by law enforcement and vigilantes.

Despite the long-standing investigation initiated by the ICC in 2021, the final legal implications for Duterte remain uncertain, particularly with the political dynamics surrounding his family and their connections to current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. As the former leader faces these serious allegations, and with his family's political future in question, the unfolding story continues to resonate in the Philippines and beyond.