MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was taken into custody by authorities Tuesday, marking a dramatic turn in a years-long saga tied to his controversial “war on drugs.” Malacañang, the presidential palace, confirmed the arrest, stating that Duterte now faces charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In an official statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) revealed that Duterte was apprehended shortly after arriving in Manila. The arrest followed the delivery of an ICC-issued warrant, executed with coordination from INTERPOL Manila. “Early this morning, INTERPOL Manila received the official copy of the warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court,” the PCO said in Filipino, underscoring the gravity of the moment.
The statement added: “Upon his arrival, the Prosecutor General presented the ICC notification for an arrest warrant against the former president for crimes against humanity.” The charges stem from Duterte’s hardline anti-drug campaign during his presidency from 2016 to 2022, which critics allege resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings.
Duterte, a firebrand leader known for his unapologetic rhetoric and populist policies, has long dismissed the ICC’s jurisdiction over the Philippines. The country withdrew from the court in 2019 under his administration, a move he championed as a defense of national sovereignty. However, the ICC maintained that it retained authority to investigate crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member, setting the stage for this high-stakes legal confrontation.
Details of Duterte’s arrest remain sparse, but the development sent shockwaves through the nation. Supporters of the former president, who still commands a loyal following, decried the move as a politically motivated attack, while human rights advocates hailed it as a long-overdue step toward accountability.
The PCO did not specify where Duterte is being held or whether he will be transferred to The Hague, where the ICC is based. Legal experts anticipate a contentious battle ahead, as Duterte’s allies have vowed to challenge the arrest’s legitimacy.
Tuesday’s arrest marks a rare instance of a former head of state facing international justice, thrusting the Philippines into the global spotlight. For a nation still grappling with Duterte’s polarizing legacy, the coming days promise a volatile mix of legal drama, public outrage, and soul-searching.
As of now, neither Duterte nor his legal team has issued a public statement. The silence from the once-vocal leader only deepens the intrigue surrounding his next move—and the fate of a case that could redefine accountability for world leaders.
This is a developing story. More details to follow as information becomes available.
