Philippine Ex-President Duterte on Plane to The Hague After ICC Arrest Warrant

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, known for his iron-fisted approach during his presidency, is now facing international legal scrutiny. On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Duterte was arrested in Manila under an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). He has been accused of presiding over thousands of extrajudicial killings during his controversial "war on drugs." The arrest has stirred political tensions both domestically and internationally.

The Charges Against Duterte

Duterte faces serious allegations of crimes against humanity. The most significant charges relate to his administration’s war on drugs, which resulted in a surge of extrajudicial killings. The ICC, based in The Hague, Netherlands, issued an arrest warrant for Duterte, citing his involvement in ordering and overseeing numerous deaths without due legal process.

During his presidency from 2016 to 2022, Duterte's hardline policies led to widespread human rights abuses, according to both local and international watchdogs. His administration's drug war has left a lasting scar on the Philippines, with thousands of families mourning their lost loved ones.

The Arrest in Manila

Duterte was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport shortly after arriving from Hong Kong. Video footage shows the former president, who is 79 years old, walking with a cane, surrounded by officials as he was escorted by Philippine police. According to his daughter, Veronica Duterte, who posted the incident on Instagram, Duterte questioned his arrest, asking, “What is the law and what is the crime that I committed?”

His other daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, expressed outrage at the arrest, claiming that her father was "forcibly taken" to The Hague. This arrest has shaken the political landscape, and many of Duterte's supporters have come forward to defend his actions.

The Role of the International Criminal Court (ICC)

The ICC is an international body responsible for investigating and prosecuting individuals charged with some of the most serious crimes, including genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes of aggression. While the court doesn’t have its own police force, it relies on cooperation from its member states to execute arrest warrants.

In Duterte’s case, Interpol and the Philippine government worked together to serve the warrant. The Philippine National Police deployed additional forces at the airport during the arrest to ensure that everything proceeded smoothly and to avoid any potential unrest.

Why the ICC Issued an Arrest Warrant

The arrest warrant stems from years of mounting pressure from international human rights organizations, who have long accused Duterte of turning the country into a killing field. The drug war initiated in 2016, shortly after Duterte assumed office, was marked by numerous killings, with victims often being low-level drug users or suspects who were killed without proper legal proceedings.

In 2018, a formal case was lodged with the ICC, accusing Duterte of mass murder and crimes against humanity. Despite his efforts to deny these allegations and remove the Philippines from the ICC’s jurisdiction, the international court retained the authority to investigate crimes that took place while the Philippines was still a member.

The War on Drugs in the Philippines

Duterte's war on drugs was brutal, with police operations often leading to the death of suspects. While Duterte claimed that his hardline stance was necessary to prevent the Philippines from becoming a narco-state, his methods sparked widespread condemnation.

Human Rights Watch estimates that 12,000 Filipinos were killed during Duterte’s drug war, although some estimates put the number closer to 30,000. These extrajudicial killings were often carried out without formal charges or trials, and many victims were reported to be innocent bystanders.

The Response of Duterte's Allies

Duterte's arrest has left many of his political allies and supporters enraged. Vice President Sara Duterte called the arrest an "affront to our sovereignty" and criticized the government for surrendering a Filipino citizen to a foreign entity.

Former presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo also denounced the arrest as unlawful, insisting that the ICC has no authority over the Philippines, especially after Duterte's withdrawal from the ICC statute in 2019. Many of Duterte’s supporters argue that this move violates national sovereignty.

International Reactions

The global reaction to Duterte’s arrest has been mixed. Human rights groups welcomed the ICC's decision, viewing it as a significant step toward holding powerful leaders accountable for their actions. International governments, particularly in Europe, have also expressed support for the ICC’s mandate to pursue justice for the victims of Duterte’s policies.

However, other nations, particularly those with more authoritarian leanings, have been critical, viewing this arrest as a threat to national sovereignty and questioning the ICC’s overreach.

Marcos Jr.’s Position on the Arrest

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who succeeded Duterte in 2022, has maintained a neutral but firm stance. In a late-night news briefing, Marcos Jr. stated that the arrest was “proper and correct.” This statement has highlighted the growing political divide between the Marcos and Duterte political dynasties.

While Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte initially ran on a joint ticket during the 2022 elections, their relationship has soured, with tensions escalating to the point where Sara Duterte was impeached in February 2025 for her alleged threats against the president.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. confirmed that the plane carrying former president Rodrigo Duterte left Villamor Air Base at 11:03 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, en route to The Hague.

He said the Philippines honored a request from Interpol to assist in the arrest of Duterte. pic.twitter.com/XEvEDfgBL8

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) March 11, 2025

What Happens Next?

Now that Duterte is on his way to The Hague, the legal process will continue under the scrutiny of the ICC. Upon arrival, Duterte is expected to attend an initial hearing, where the charges will be formally read. Legal experts predict a lengthy trial, with both sides preparing to present a complex web of evidence and testimony.

Implications for the Philippines

Duterte’s arrest will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the Philippines. Politically, it may reshape alliances and intensify tensions between the country's rival dynasties. Socially, the arrest may also bring renewed calls for accountability and human rights reforms, especially from groups affected by the war on drugs.

Duterte's Defense: Sovereignty and Justice

Duterte's defense team, as well as his political allies, have consistently argued that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over the Philippines. They contend that his arrest is an affront to national sovereignty and that the legal proceedings should be handled within the country. This argument, however, may not be enough to deter the ICC's case, which is based on international law.

What is the International Criminal Court?

The ICC was established to investigate and prosecute the gravest crimes against humanity. With 125 member states, the court aims to serve as a last resort when national courts are unwilling or unable to prosecute individuals for serious crimes. The Philippines was once a signatory but officially withdrew in 2019, although the ICC retains authority over crimes committed before that time.

A Growing List of Warrants

Duterte is not the first world leader to face arrest by the ICC. High-profile leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Hamas leader Mohammed Deif have also had warrants issued against them. While some warrants remain symbolic due to the ICC’s lack of enforcement powers, Duterte’s arrest marks a significant moment in the court’s recent history.

Conclusion

Duterte's arrest by the ICC is a pivotal moment for both the Philippines and the international community. As the former president faces charges of crimes against humanity, the world watches closely to see how justice will be served. Duterte’s legacy, once defined by his tough-on-crime policies, now stands at a critical juncture, with his controversial methods likely to leave a lasting imprint on the Philippines and the global legal system.

This unfolding story brings to light the challenges of balancing national sovereignty with global justice, underscoring the importance of accountability for leaders who violate human rights.