MANILA: Ex-President Rodrigo Duterte was detained after the Philippines received an ICC warrant for his alleged crimes against humanity.
He was investigated for a brutal anti-drug campaign during his presidency, which resulted in over 6,000 deaths.
Independent reports suggest extrajudicial killings were much higher than official numbers.
Duterte, 79, was arrested at Manila’s airport after returning from Hong Kong on Tuesday.
Interpol’s Manila office confirmed receiving the ICC arrest warrant in an official statement.
Legal Dispute
The Presidential Communications Office stated that the Prosecutor General filed an ICC arrest notification against Duterte.
Duterte questioned the warrant’s legality, asking what crime he committed in a video posted by his daughter.
Known as “Asia’s Trump,” Duterte gained popularity for his aggressive anti-drug stance in 2016.
His violent crackdown disproportionately targeted poor young men accused of drug-related crimes.
War on Drugs
Thousands were killed in police operations or by vigilantes linked to law enforcement.
The ICC investigated these killings alongside inquiries by the Philippine House of Representatives and Senate.
Duterte consistently denied ordering extrajudicial killings but admitted instructing police to shoot resisting suspects.
He withdrew the Philippines from the ICC, yet the court retained jurisdiction over crimes committed between 2016 and 2019.
The government of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. may cooperate with the ICC in Duterte’s case.
Government Response
Reuters reported that Marcos Jr.’s administration might allow Duterte’s extradition to the ICC.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro stated law enforcement must follow legal orders on the warrant.
Duterte recently hinted in Hong Kong that an ICC warrant for his arrest might be imminent.
He defended his actions, saying he worked for peace and safety in the Philippines.
His former spokesperson, Harry Roque, called the arrest unlawful, citing the Philippines’ ICC withdrawal.
International Reaction
Roque claimed there was no valid arrest warrant from Interpol or Philippine police.
Human rights organizations welcomed Duterte’s arrest and urged his extradition to the ICC.
Bryony Lau from Human Rights Watch called the detention a significant step for accountability.
She stated that Duterte’s arrest could deliver justice to victims and their families.
Activists emphasized that the move reinforces that no leader is above the law.
Duterte’s Past
Before becoming president, Duterte enforced harsh anti-crime policies in Davao City as mayor.
He gained a reputation for reducing crime but faced allegations of extrajudicial killings.
A vigilante group allegedly linked to Duterte eliminated suspected criminals in Davao City.
During his 2016 campaign, he dismissed human rights laws and threatened drug criminals.
He told supporters he would kill drug pushers if elected president.
Political Career
As president, Duterte maintained his aggressive, unfiltered rhetoric.
He previously insulted former U.S. President Barack Obama but later clarified his remarks.
Despite poor health and legal challenges, Duterte registered to run for Davao City mayor.
His candidacy was seen as a strategy to protect his family’s political influence.
His relationship with Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte remains strained.
