Manila, Philippines – The former President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, was taken into custody by the government on Tuesday following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for crimes against humanity. This arrest came after an investigation into his brutal anti-drug campaign, which resulted in the deaths of over 6,000 people, according to police figures, with independent sources suggesting a higher number of extrajudicial killings.
At the main airport in Manila, Duterte was apprehended upon his return from Hong Kong, sparking chaotic scenes. The arrest warrant, received by Interpol’s Manila office from the ICC, was executed by Filipino authorities upon Duterte’s arrival back in the country, the Presidential Communications Office confirmed.
Upon questioning the basis of the warrant, Duterte expressed his confusion over the allegations and crimes he was being accused of, as shown in a video shared by his daughter. The former president, known for his controversial leadership style, rose to power in 2016 on a platform promising a crackdown on drugs and drug-related crimes, leading to the deadly campaign that resulted in numerous casualties.
The ICC inquiry into Duterte’s actions during his time in office triggered investigations within the Philippines as well, with the House of Representatives and Senate conducting separate inquiries. Despite his denials of extrajudicial killings, Duterte openly admitted to authorizing the shooting of suspects during arrest.
As the current government under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. weighs its options, Duterte’s arrest signifies a critical step towards justice in the eyes of human rights organizations. His detention has been welcomed by rights groups, urging the Philippines to cooperate with the ICC in addressing the former president’s alleged crimes.
Before his presidency, Duterte gained notoriety as the mayor of Davao City, known for his tough stance on crime. However, his methods and connections to extrajudicial killings drew criticism and allegations of human rights abuses. As the developments surrounding his case continue to unfold, the impact of Duterte’s arrest on the Philippines’ political landscape remains to be seen.