Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines known for his hardline stance on drugs, was arrested upon his return to Manila for crimes against humanity.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, renowned for his hardline stance on crime and his controversial war on drugs, was arrested on March 11, 2025, upon his return to Manila from Hong Kong. The arrest was executed under a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), charging Duterte with crimes against humanity related to the thousands of deaths resulting from his anti-drug campaign.

Duterte, now aged 79 and in declining health, had been in Hong Kong to campaign for his political party’s senatorial candidates ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. Speculation had arisen that he might seek exile to evade the impending ICC warrant. However, he addressed a large gathering of Filipino expatriates at Southorn Stadium in Hong Kong, justifying his anti-drug policies and dismissing concerns about potential arrest.

Upon landing at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Duterte was apprehended by the Philippine National Police (PNP), accompanied by an Interpol representative. The arrest followed the ICC’s diffusion request to Interpol, seeking global cooperation in detaining the former president. Duterte was escorted through a back exit of the airport and transported in a police van alongside his common-law wife, Honeylet Avanceña.

A CONTROVERSIAL LEGACY

Duterte’s presidency, which spanned from 2016 to 2022, was marked by a relentless crackdown on illegal drugs. Official records indicate that over 6,000 drug suspects were killed during his tenure. However, human rights organizations argue that the actual death toll could be significantly higher, citing numerous unreported extrajudicial killings allegedly carried out by police and vigilantes.

Prior to his presidency, Duterte served as mayor of Davao City, where he implemented similar hardline policies. His tenure there earned him nicknames such as “The Punisher” and “Duterte Harry,” reflecting his tough-on-crime approach. Despite widespread domestic support for his methods, international bodies, including the United States and the European Union, condemned the human rights violations associated with his campaigns.

The ICC’s investigation into Duterte’s anti-drug campaign began in 2018, focusing on allegations of crimes against humanity. In response, Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC’s Rome Statute in 2019, aiming to evade the court’s jurisdiction. However, the ICC maintained that it retained authority over crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member.

The investigation scrutinized the period from November 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019, encompassing Duterte’s time as both mayor of Davao City and as president. The ICC’s interest was particularly piqued by reports of extrajudicial killings and the alleged involvement of law enforcement in these acts.

SOCIOPOLITICAL REACTIONS

Duterte’s arrest has significant implications for Philippine politics. Tensions between Duterte’s family and the current administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have been escalating. In February, Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, was impeached over allegations of issuing assassination threats against President Marcos and misusing public funds. Her trial is scheduled to commence in July.

The former president’s arrest also places President Marcos Jr. in a delicate position regarding the Philippines’ international relations. He must decide whether to extradite Duterte to The Hague or to prosecute him domestically. This decision will inevitably influence the country’s diplomatic ties with both Western nations and regional powers such as China.

Unsurprisingly, the arrest has elicited mixed reactions within the Philippines. Supporters of Duterte view the move as political persecution, while human rights advocates hail it as a step toward justice for the victims of the drug war. The ICC’s proceedings will likely be lengthy, with Duterte’s legal team already challenging the legality of the arrest.

As the situation unfolds, the Philippines stands at a crossroads, grappling with the legacy of Duterte’s presidency and its implications for the nation’s current and future commitment to human rights and the rule of law.