Rodrigo Duterte, Philippine Ex-President, Is Arrested

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, at Manila’s international airport following the issuance of a warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC). This warrant stems from an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity linked to his controversial “war on drugs,” which resulted in thousands of deaths during his presidency from 2016 to 2022.

Details of the Arrest

Duterte was detained shortly after arriving in Manila from Hong Kong, where he had been promoting senatorial candidates for the upcoming mid-term elections. Philippine authorities confirmed that he was taken into custody based on the ICC’s warrant, which accuses him of overseeing a brutal anti-drug campaign that denied many suspects their right to due process. Reports indicate that Duterte is in good health and has been examined by government medical personnel.

The arrest marks a significant moment in the ongoing investigation into Duterte’s anti-drug operations, which have faced widespread criticism from human rights organizations. While official government statistics report over 6,000 fatalities linked to police operations, human rights groups estimate that the actual death toll could be as high as 30,000.

Background on the ICC Investigation

The ICC began its investigation into Duterte’s actions in 2018, focusing on incidents that occurred during his time as mayor of Davao City and later as president. The court is examining whether these killings constitute crimes against humanity. Although Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019 in an attempt to block the investigation, the ICC maintains jurisdiction over alleged offenses committed while the country was still a member.

Duterte has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that his anti-drug campaign was necessary to combat crime and drug abuse in the Philippines. He has publicly rejected the ICC’s authority and has threatened to ignore its findings.

Reactions to the Arrest

The arrest has elicited mixed reactions within the Philippines. Supporters of Duterte view him as a populist hero who took decisive action against drug-related crime, while critics see his actions as a violation of human rights. The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines hailed the arrest as a “historic moment” for accountability regarding mass killings during Duterte’s administration.

Conversely, Salvador Panelo, Duterte’s former spokesperson, criticized the arrest as unlawful, arguing that it violates Philippine sovereignty since the country had withdrawn from the ICC. This perspective reflects ongoing tensions within Philippine politics regarding Duterte’s legacy and the role of international law.

Implications for Philippine Politics

Duterte’s arrest raises questions about the future of his political influence and that of his family. His daughter, Sara Duterte, currently serves as vice president and is viewed as a potential presidential candidate for 2028. The relationship between the Duterte family and current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also become strained since their electoral victory in 2022.

As Duterte faces legal challenges ahead, it remains uncertain how this will impact his supporters and the broader political landscape in the Philippines. The situation continues to evolve as both domestic and international observers monitor developments closely.