Philippines ex-leader Rodrigo Duterte arrested after ICC warrant
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport upon his return from Hong Kong. The arrest was made following an Interpol warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which accuses Duterte of crimes against humanity related to his controversial “war on drugs” campaign during his presidency from 2016 to 2022.
ICC Investigation: The ICC has been investigating Duterte since 2018 over allegations of widespread extrajudicial killings during his anti-drug campaign. The probe covers the period from November 1, 2011, when Duterte was mayor of Davao, to March 16, 2019.
Withdrawal from ICC: In 2019, Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, in an attempt to avoid accountability for the killings.
Support from Human Rights Groups: The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines hailed the arrest as a “historic moment,” marking the beginning of accountability for the mass killings under Duterte’s leadership.
Criticism from Duterte’s Camp: Salvador Panelo, Duterte’s former spokesperson, criticized the arrest as “unlawful,” citing the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC. However, the ICC maintains jurisdiction over offenses committed before the withdrawal.
Duterte is currently in custody, with reports indicating he is in good health and under medical care. The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings against Duterte for his role in the drug war, which resulted in thousands of deaths.
