Janice R. Andrews
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in Manila on Tuesday under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for alleged crimes against humanity tied to his controversial war on drugs. The arrest, confirmed by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), follows an official notification from the ICC received via Interpol Manila.
Duterte, 79, faces charges of “the crime against humanity of murder” linked to the deaths of thousands during his anti-drug campaign from 2016 to 2022. The ICC alleges that police and vigilantes killed suspects without due process, including children. Duterte’s crackdown, widely criticized for its brutality, has drawn global condemnation.
The former president, who returned to Manila after addressing the Filipino diaspora in Hong Kong, questioned the legality of his arrest in a social media video shared by his daughter, Veronica Duterte. “What is the crime that I committed? Explain the legal basis for my arrest,” he demanded.
Despite the Philippine government’s earlier refusal to cooperate with the ICC probe, authorities enforced the warrant with transparency, equipping officers with body cameras during the operation. The government emphasized its commitment to fulfilling Interpol obligations.
This arrest marks a significant moment in international justice, as Duterte becomes one of the highest-profile leaders held accountable for alleged human rights violations. The case has reignited debates over sovereignty, accountability, and the global fight against impunity.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.
