Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in Manila on March 11, 2025, based on a warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The 79-year-old faces charges related to his violent war on drugs, which led to the deaths of thousands, mostly poor individuals.
The Philippine government confirmed that Interpol Manila received the ICC warrant early in the morning. Authorities took Duterte into custody, ensuring that he and his security team were in good condition.
In a video shared by his daughter, Veronica, Duterte questioned the arrest, demanding proof of his crimes. His former legal adviser, Salvador Panelo, called the arrest illegal, claiming that police did not allow Duterte’s lawyer to see him and failed to present a physical copy of the warrant.
Duterte’s supporters gathered outside Villamor Air Base, where he was reportedly detained, protesting the arrest. However, human rights groups welcomed the news, saying it was a long-overdue step toward justice. Families of drug war victims expressed relief, hoping for accountability.
Groups like Human Rights Watch and Karapatan urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure Duterte is sent to the ICC for trial. They emphasized that his arrest is a crucial moment for justice in the Philippines.
Although the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019 under Duterte’s orders, the court still has authority over crimes committed before the withdrawal. The ICC started its investigation in 2021, paused it briefly, and resumed in 2023 after rejecting the Philippine government’s objections.
Duterte has dismissed the ICC’s actions, even insulting its investigators. However, he previously stated that he would accept arrest if it happened.
Despite the arrest, Duterte remains a strong political figure and is currently running for mayor of Davao City in the upcoming elections. His war on drugs was popular among many Filipinos, though critics called it a human rights disaster.
With this arrest, the Philippines faces a critical decision: Will it uphold international justice or protect a former leader from accountability?
