Rodrigo Duterte arrested over ICC warrant for crimes against humanity

Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, was taken into custody on March 11, 2025, at Manila's international airport following a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The warrant accuses him of crimes against humanity linked to his controversial war on drugs, which human rights organizations claim led to the extrajudicial killings of tens of thousands of Filipinos.

Upon his return from a trip to Hong Kong, Duterte was apprehended by authorities as he arrived at the airport. His lawyer, Salvador Panelo, contends that the arrest is unlawful, arguing that the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC during Duterte's presidency undermines the court's jurisdiction.

Background

Duterte's arrest is the culmination of a lengthy investigation by the ICC, initiated in 2018, into allegations of extrajudicial killings that occurred during his administration. Human rights advocates assert that thousands of unarmed individuals were killed under the auspices of this campaign.

Allegations and Charges

The ICC's warrant accuses Duterte of orchestrating a systematic attack on civilians, particularly those suspected of drug offenses, resulting in extensive fatalities. The court's documentation suggests that he played a pivotal role in facilitating the actions of groups involved in these killings.

Despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC in 2019, the court claims it retains jurisdiction over crimes committed prior to the exit. This includes events that transpired during Duterte’s presidency and his earlier tenure as mayor of Davao City.

Legal Challenges

Duterte’s legal counsel has raised questions regarding the legality of the arrest, positing that the ICC cannot assert jurisdiction over the Philippines following its withdrawal from the Rome Statute. Additionally, Duterte and Senator Ronald dela Rosa have a pending petition with the Philippine Supreme Court aimed at halting the government's cooperation with the ICC.

Government Response

Under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippine government has acted in compliance with the ICC by executing the arrest warrant. This move is perceived as an effort to uphold obligations to Interpol, notwithstanding the country’s withdrawal from the court.

Human Rights Perspective

The arrest has been interpreted by organizations such as Human Rights Watch as a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice. They view it as a significant victory against impunity and a strong message to human rights violators worldwide.