Former Philippine president Duterte arrested in Manila following ICC warrant for crimes against humanity

Rodrigo Duterte was detained at Manila’s international airport on Tuesday morning after flying in from Hong Kong. The Philippine president’s office confirmed that Interpol Manila received the official ICC arrest warrant earlier that day. Duterte, who is set to turn 80, was arrested under the charge of crimes against humanity connected to his aggressive anti-drug policies.

The arrest follows an ICC investigation into Duterte's administration, which has accused him of orchestrating a violent anti-drug campaign that led to the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians. The ICC's involvement underscores the ongoing international pressure for accountability, as Duterte's policies have sparked outrage among human rights organizations.


Duterte’s “war on drugs,” launched in 2016, has been marked by violent crackdowns that allegedly left between 12,000 and 30,000 individuals dead. Most victims were from poor, urban areas, where police routinely conducted operations leading to widespread deaths. Reports of extrajudicial killings, including the planting of evidence, have been prevalent throughout the operations.

The anti-drug campaign disproportionately targeted men from impoverished communities. Despite national and international criticism, Duterte remained defiant, defending the actions as necessary for the country’s safety. Rights groups have continuously condemned the violence, urging international action to hold the former president accountable for the atrocities.


Duterte has repeatedly stated that he does not regret his anti-drug policies, claiming that his actions were vital for the nation’s welfare. In a 2024 Senate inquiry, he openly admitted to encouraging police to allow criminals to fight back in order to justify killings, but denied directly ordering the deaths of suspects.

While Duterte's policies stirred global condemnation, they earned him strong support from a significant portion of the Filipino population. His tough stance on drugs resonated with many citizens who viewed him as a strong leader committed to eliminating crime. However, his legacy remains deeply controversial, with both supporters and critics continuing to clash over his methods.


Following Duterte’s arrest, human rights advocates have called for the Marcos administration to fully cooperate with the ICC and ensure Duterte is handed over. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who took office in 2022 after a joint campaign with Duterte's daughter, Sara, initially rejected ICC involvement but has since signaled a willingness to cooperate if requested by international authorities.

Duterte’s arrest represents a significant moment in Philippine politics, where the former president’s influence is still keenly felt, especially with his daughter holding the vice-presidency. As the country prepares for midterm elections, the political dynamics between the Marcos and Duterte families could be further complicated by this international legal case.