Authorities arrested former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on March 11 after the Philippine government confirmed that the International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued a warrant for his arrest over alleged crimes against humanity.
Duterte, 79, landed at Manila’s main airport from Hong Kong around 10.30 am. Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon personally served the ICC warrant, notifying Duterte of his arrest in connection with his administration’s deadly drug war.
“Early this morning, Interpol-Manila received the official copy of the arrest warrant from the ICC,” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement.
“The former President and his group are in good health and were examined by government doctors to ensure their well-being,” the PCO said adding that police officers enforcing the warrant were equipped with body cameras.
After the arrest, authorities transported Duterte to Villamor Airbase in Pasay City. Duterte denounced his detention as illegal. In a video posted online by his daughter, Veronica Kitty Duterte, he demanded an explanation.
“What is the law and what is the crime that I committed?” he asked. “Show it to me now, the legal basis for my being here. Apparently, I was brought here not of my own volition. It is somebody else’s.”
His arrest followed reports that Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organization, had already issued a red notice against him.
The ICC began investigating Duterte in 2018 over his administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign. Police records showed that the crackdown killed more than 6,000 people, while human rights groups estimate that extrajudicial killings may have reached 20,000.
Duterte’s “war on drugs” defined his presidency. His tough-on-crime stance propelled him to office in 2016, but global human rights organizations condemned his methods and accused him of widespread abuses.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr initially refused to cooperate with the ICC and rejected its jurisdiction. In 2022, he even asked the court to halt its investigation. However, political tensions have reshaped the landscape over the past 18 months. Duterte and Marcos, once allies, have grown increasingly estranged.
Vice President Sara Duterte distanced herself from Marcos, confirming internal conflicts in their former alliance.
Calls for accountability
Duterte’s arrest marks a significant moment in the Philippines’ pursuit of justice.
“His arrest could bring victims and their families closer to justice and sends the clear message that no one is above the law,” Human Rights Watch’s deputy Asia director Bryony Lau said.
“The Marcos government should swiftly surrender him to the ICC,” she added.
As of this writing, authorities continue to hold Duterte in custody.
Meanwhile, families of victims of extrajudicial killings gathered on March 11 for a Mass at the Ina ng Lupang Pangako Parish in Payatas, Quezon City, praying for their loved ones killed in anti-drug operations during the Duterte administration.
Photo credit: Rody Duterte Facebook. Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
