Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on 11March 11, 2025 at Manila’s airport. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for its alleged crimes against humanity during its war on drugs.
Thousands of extrajudicial murders occurred due to the Anti-Drug campaign of Duterte launched in 2016. Human rights groups estimate between 12,000 and 30,000 deaths, mostly in poor communities. The ICC started an investigation in 2018, but Duterte withdrawal the Philippines from the court in 2019.. Despite this, the ICC retains the jurisdiction on previous offenses (AP News).
His arrest has led to national and international reactions. Supporters call it a political move, while the families of the victims see it as justice (Al Jazeera) for a long time. Legal experts argue that the return from ICC does not free leaders from accountability (WSJ).
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not yet released an official statement. The tension between Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte, Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter continues to increase. The case may reopen Philippine politics and global justice (El País).
The legal team of Dutert has planned to challenge the arrest, but the ICC remains firm when it is accountable. The case sets an example for the leaders accused of violation of human rights.
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