Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippine, was arrested on March 10, 2025, upon his arrival in Manila from Hong Kong. This arrest followed an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant, accusing Duterte of crimes against humanity related to his deadly war on drugs. The campaign, which began in 2016, led to thousands of deaths, many of which involved extrajudicial killings by police and vigilantes targeting suspected drug offenders without proper legal proceedings or trials. The ICC's investigation found that Duterte’s war on drugs involved human rights violations, including unlawful killings, torture, and other abuses. The court cited systematic extra-judicial killings as evidence of crimes against humanity, drawing significant attention from global human rights organizations, which condemned Duterte's violent methods. Despite the mounting criticism, Duterte defended his anti-drug operations, arguing that they were essential to combat the country’s rampant drug problems and to protect public safety. He contended that the drug trade posed an existential threat to the nation, justifying the harsh measures taken by his government.
In 2018, Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC, aiming to block further investigations into his administration’s actions. However, the ICC continued its probe, arguing that it still had jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed, Based on the evidence gathered, an arrest warrant was issued. Upon Duterte’s return from Hong Kong, police were waiting to detain him, marking a significant step in the legal efforts to hold him accountable for his policies. The arrest has sparked mixed reactions within the Philippines. While Duterte retains strong support from many Filipinos who praised his tough stance on crime, the international community continues to focus on the human rights violations associated with his war on drugs. The case showcases the global demand for accountability for leaders accused of crimes against humanity and raises critical questions about justice and human rights in the Philippines. It also highlights the importance of international courts in addressing human rights violations by state leaders.
