Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport on March 11, 2025, following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity.
The arrest, which comes years after the ICC first launched its investigation into Duterte’s bloody war on drugs, has sent shockwaves across the country.
Duterte Arrested Upon Arrival From Hong Kong
Rodrigo Duterte, 79, was detained immediately after landing in Manila following a trip to Hong Kong, where he had been campaigning for the upcoming May 12 midterm elections.
Authorities say he was cooperative but questioned the legitimacy of his arrest, stating:
“What crime have I committed? I did everything in my time for peace and a peaceful life for the Filipino people.”
Footage released by his daughter Veronica Duterte showed him in custody at Villamor Air Base, calmly discussing his arrest.
Why Was Duterte Arrested? The ICC Charges
The ICC issued a warrant for Duterte’s arrest over his controversial war on drugs, which began during his presidency from 2016 to 2022 and even earlier, when he was mayor of Davao City.
- Over 6,000 drug suspects were killed in official police operations.
- Rights groups estimate the real death toll at tens of thousands, with extrajudicial killings allegedly sanctioned by the government.
- Victims were predominantly poor individuals accused of drug-related crimes.
- Many families claim their relatives were killed without evidence or trial.
Despite withdrawing from the ICC in 2019, the court ruled that it retained jurisdiction over crimes committed before the withdrawal.
Duterte’s Allies Call the Arrest “Unlawful”
Supporters of Duterte denounced the arrest, arguing that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines.
His former presidential spokesperson, Salvador Panelo, called the move:
“A disgraceful overreach by an international body that has no authority over a sovereign nation.”
However, human rights advocates hailed it as a historic moment for justice.
“The arc of the moral universe is long, but today, it has bent towards justice,” said Peter Murphy, chairperson of the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP).
How the ICC Investigation Led to Duterte’s Arrest
The ICC has been investigating Duterte’s drug war since 2018. Its probe covers alleged human rights violations from:
- November 2011 (when Duterte was mayor of Davao)
- March 2019 (when the Philippines withdrew from the ICC)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., once an ally of Duterte, initially refused to cooperate with the ICC but later shifted his stance as tensions between the Marcos and Duterte families escalated.
What Happens Next? Will Duterte Be Sent to The Hague?
Duterte’s next legal steps include:
- A hearing on whether the Philippines will extradite him to face trial in The Hague.
- A possible appeal to block extradition, claiming the ICC lacks authority.
- Political intervention, as allies push for clemency.
While the current administration has yet to confirm full cooperation with the ICC, Duterte faces the real possibility of standing trial for crimes against humanity, a first in Philippine history.
Rodrigo Duterte remains popular in the Philippines, particularly among those who credit him for reducing crime. His arrest has sparked:
- Celebrations among human rights groups, calling it a victory for justice.
- Protests from Duterte supporters, who believe his tough stance on crime was necessary.
With the March 20-21 hearings approaching, all eyes are now on whether Duterte will be sent to The Hague, or if his political allies will shield him from international prosecution.
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