Former President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines was arrested on Tuesday after authorities confirmed that the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for alleged crimes against humanity. The former leader, often compared to Donald Trump for his controversial and chaotic leadership style, was taken into custody at Manila’s main airport following his return from Hong Kong.
The arrest warrant is a significant development in the Philippines’ ongoing scrutiny of Duterte’s presidency from 2016 to 2022, during which he launched a brutal campaign against illegal drug use, claiming to restore peace and order in the nation plagued by drug-related violence. Official police data indicates that over 6,000 people were killed during this crackdown; however, independent reports suggest that the death toll could be much higher, leading to global outrage and calls for accountability.
“What is the law and what is the crime that I committed?” Duterte questioned as he was taken into custody, challenging the basis for the ICC’s actions. This latest incident comes in the context of years of investigations into human rights violations during his administration, including a particularly intense probe by the ICC which continued despite Duterte’s withdrawal from the court in 2018. The withdrawal did not absolve him from crimes committed during the period of Philippine membership from 2016 to 2019.
As he stepped off the plane, an official statement from the Presidential Communications Office confirmed that Interpol had received the warrant and that Duterte was now in custody. A spokesperson for the current administration, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., communicated readiness to comply with Interpol directives, marking a potential shift in how Duterte’s actions during his presidency are handled.
The road to this arrest began during Duterte’s campaign for presidency, where he promised a vigorous war on drugs that resonated with voters. During his time as Davao City mayor, Duterte had fostered a reputation for strong anti-crime tactics, but also faced substantial allegations of extrajudicial killings. In a campaign rally, Duterte effectively invited violence against drug dealers, stating, “If I make it to the presidential palace, I will do just what I did as mayor. You drug pushers, hold-up men and do-nothings, you better go out. Because as the mayor, I’d kill you.”
Over the years, this hardline stance won him both fervent support and fierce opposition. His open disdain for international criticism, especially from bodies like the ICC, often drew parallels to Trump’s confrontational approach to global politics.
In a recent public appearance in Hong Kong, Duterte referred to his probable arrest while downplaying any wrongdoing. Notably, his former spokesperson, Harry Roque, has claimed that the detention is unlawful, arguing that the warrant stems from a time when the Philippines was no longer an ICC member. Duterte continues to retain a loyal base, making political maneuvers that suggest he intends to maintain his influence, including declaring his candidacy for mayor of Davao City.