MANILA – Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested in Manila today, March 11, upon his arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, following his return from Hong Kong. It is expected that Duterte will be transported to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands. The dramatic development marks a significant turn in the long-standing allegations of human rights violations against Duterte, particularly in relation to his controversial “war on drugs.”
Arrest in Manila and ICC Charges
According to Philippine law enforcement officials, Duterte was taken into custody early Sunday morning at his residence in Davao City, his political stronghold. The arrest was carried out by the Philippine National Police (PNP), in coordination with international legal authorities, following an ICC arrest warrant issued months earlier.
Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022, has been accused of crimes against humanity in connection with his anti-drug campaign, which led to thousands of extrajudicial killings. Human rights groups, both local and international, have long pushed for his prosecution, citing widespread abuses committed by law enforcement under his administration.
Reaction from Philippine Government and International Community
The arrest comes at a time of political tension in the Philippines, as Duterte’s daughter, Sara Duterte, currently serves as vice president under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. While the Marcos-Duterte alliance was initially seen as a strong political partnership, recent disagreements over governance and security policies have already strained their relationship.
Political analysts predict that Duterte’s arrest could further deepen the divide between the two leaders, as Sara Duterte is expected to defend her father while Marcos Jr. balances international obligations and domestic political stability.
The United Nations, along with several human rights organizations, has welcomed the arrest, viewing it as a step toward justice for the victims of Duterte’s drug war. However, Duterte’s supporters have condemned the move, calling it a foreign intervention in Philippine sovereignty.
What Comes Next?
As legal proceedings begin, the Philippine government faces a diplomatic challenge. While the country officially withdrew from the ICC in 2019 under Duterte’s leadership, the court maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member. The upcoming trial could put pressure on Marcos Jr. to either cooperate with international authorities or take a stance against Duterte’s extradition, which could risk backlash from global human rights watchdogs.
The arrest of Rodrigo Duterte is likely to reshape the country’s political landscape and test the strength of the current administration’s international commitments. The coming days will be crucial in determining how both the Philippine government and the ICC proceed with what could be one of the most significant legal battles in recent history. (zai)