The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday after he returned from Hong Kong, and security forces arrested him at Manila’s main airport amid chaos as protesters and supporters gathered in response to his arrival.
Prosecutor General officials filed an ICC notification for Duterte’s arrest, placing him in immediate government custody for further legal proceedings. Government officials confirmed that Interpol’s Manila office received the official ICC arrest warrant earlier that day, causing law enforcement to act quickly.
Duterte, 79, questioned the legitimacy of his arrest, denying any wrongdoing in a video posted online by his daughter, Veronica Duterte. His legal team, led by former spokesperson Harry Roque, insisted the warrant held no basis since the Philippines had already withdrawn from the ICC in 2019. However, under ICC rules, the court retains jurisdiction over crimes committed during a country’s membership period.
During his presidency, Duterte launched a controversial anti-drug campaign that led to thousands of deaths, drawing global criticism. Official police data recorded more than 6,000 deaths, but independent reports suggested a much higher number, citing extrajudicial killings. His administration faced scrutiny for allegedly allowing law enforcement to execute suspected drug offenders without due process.
The ICC’s investigation into Duterte’s war on drugs continued despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the court. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration signaled a willingness to cooperate with international authorities, raising speculation about Duterte’s possible extradition. A presidential spokesperson confirmed that law enforcement agencies would comply with international legal obligations if necessary.
Human rights groups hailed Duterte’s arrest as a significant step toward accountability, urging authorities to transfer him to The Hague for trial. Bryony Lau, Deputy Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized that Duterte’s detention reinforced the principle that no leader remains above the law.
Duterte’s controversial leadership style earned him comparisons to former U.S. President Donald Trump, with his hardline approach to crime shaping his political legacy. His arrest intensified political tensions, with allies denouncing the move as political persecution.
Supporters gathered outside detention facilities, demanding his release, while opponents celebrated what they viewed as overdue justice. His arrest reignited debates over his brutal anti-drug campaign, fueling discussions on human rights violations committed under his rule. The ICC’s next steps remain uncertain, but many believe Duterte’s legal battles are far from over.
