Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila International Airport shortly after his return from Hong Kong on Tuesday (11/03). The arrest was based on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant linked to his controversial war on drugs, which led to thousands of deaths between 2016 and 2022.
Despite his arrest, Duterte remains defiant, questioning the warrant's legitimacy. "What crime have I committed?" he stated. The ICC has been investigating drug-related extrajudicial killings since 2016, with its formal inquiry commencing in 2021.
The investigation also includes incidents from Duterte’s tenure as mayor of Davao from 2011 to 2019, before the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC.
Also read: Philippines' Ex-President Duterte Arrested on ICC Warrant for 'Drug War' Killings
Duterte’s former spokesperson, Salvador Panelo, denounced the arrest as unlawful, while international human rights organizations lauded it as a crucial step toward justice. The ICC has classified Duterte as an "indirect perpetrator" of crimes against humanity, citing his control over law enforcement agencies during his presidency and tenure as Davao mayor.
Government data states that over 6,000 people were killed in anti-drug operations. In contrast, human rights groups estimate the death toll to be over 20,000, with the most intense period occurring between 2016 and 2017.
Given this evidence, the ICC’s pre-trial chamber referenced Article 7 of the Rome Statute, categorizing the drug war as a "widespread or systematic attack against civilians."
Also read: Philippine VP Sara Duterte Faces Impeachment Amid Political Turmoil
A Political Rivalry Unfolds
Duterte’s arrest and extradition to The Hague add another layer of complexity to the Philippine political landscape. The event has further intensified political rivalries, particularly between Duterte’s allies and his opponents, some of whom have long supported the ICC’s investigation.
With his extradition, questions arise regarding the impact on Philippine politics. Will this mark a turning point for human rights in the country, or is it merely a strategic move by political forces seeking to shift power dynamics?
As Duterte awaits trial in The Hague, the world watches closely to see whether this development signals true justice or a politically motivated maneuver.
