Rodrigo Duterte served as the 16th President of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022. Known for his tough-on-crime stance, he previously held a long tenure as mayor of Davao City. His presidency was marked by an aggressive war on drugs, infrastructure development, and independent foreign policy, but also faced criticism for alleged human rights violations. Photo Credit : pco.gov.ph
MANILA, Philippines – Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila following a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The arrest stems from allegations of crimes against humanity in connection with Duterte’s controversial war on drugs.
Arrest Details
Duterte, 79, was taken into custody by Philippine authorities upon his return from Hong Kong. The arrest was conducted in coordination with international law enforcement agencies, marking the first time a former Philippine president has faced possible extradition to The Hague.
The ICC warrant, issued months earlier, accuses Duterte of overseeing extrajudicial killings and human rights violations during his administration from 2016 to 2022. Human rights groups estimate that the anti-drug campaign resulted in over 30,000 deaths, with many victims alleged to be innocent civilians.
Duterte was immediately transported to a secure detention facility in Manila, where he awaits legal proceedings to determine whether he will be extradited to the ICC.
Background on the ICC Case
The ICC began its investigation into Duterte’s drug war policies in 2021 after numerous reports of human rights violations. Despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC in 2019 under Duterte’s leadership, the court maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a member. The ICC prosecutor has described the campaign as a “systematic attack on civilians.”
The Duterte administration had consistently dismissed ICC investigations as illegitimate, arguing that the court has no authority over the Philippines. However, international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have continued to advocate for justice for the victims.
Domestic and International Reactions
The arrest has drawn strong reactions from various sectors. Human rights advocates welcomed the development, calling it a victory for justice.
“After years of impunity, Duterte’s arrest is a crucial step toward accountability,” said Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International. “The victims and their families have long waited for this moment.”
Conversely, Duterte’s supporters condemned the arrest as politically motivated. His legal counsel, Salvador Panelo, argued that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines and vowed to challenge the legality of the arrest.
Protests erupted in Manila following the news, with Duterte loyalists demanding his immediate release. Meanwhile, foreign governments, including the United States and the European Union, have urged the Philippine government to cooperate with international legal processes.
Political Fallout and Implications
The arrest comes amid increasing political tensions in the Philippines. Vice President Sara Duterte, Duterte’s daughter, has remained silent on the matter, though political analysts speculate that this could further strain her alliance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Additionally, some lawmakers have raised concerns about how the arrest might impact Philippine sovereignty and its diplomatic relationships. Others see this as an opportunity to reinforce the country’s commitment to human rights and international law.
Next Steps
As Duterte remains in custody, legal experts predict a drawn-out battle over his potential extradition to The Hague. His legal team is expected to challenge the warrant in Philippine courts, which could delay any international proceedings.
Meanwhile, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, as the case could set a precedent for holding former heads of state accountable for human rights abuses.
The Philippine government has yet to make an official statement on whether it will cooperate with the ICC’s extradition request.
This is a developing story. The Asian Journal will provide updates as more details emerge.
