Rodrigo Duterte, former Philippine President, was arrested on March 11, 2025, at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for crimes against humanity.

The arrest occurred upon his return from Hong Kong, where he had been campaigning for upcoming midterm elections. Duterte, 79, questioned the legitimacy of his arrest but remained cooperative with authorities.

The ICC charges stem from Duterte's controversial war on drugs (2016-2022), during which:

• Over 6,000 drug suspects were killed in official police operations
• Rights groups estimate tens of thousands died in extrajudicial killings
• Victims were predominantly poor individuals
• Many were killed without evidence or trial

Despite the Philippines' withdrawal from the ICC in 2019, the court maintained jurisdiction over crimes committed before the withdrawal, including Duterte's actions as Davao City mayor from 2011.

Current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., initially resistant to ICC cooperation, has shifted his stance as relations with Duterte deteriorated.

Next Steps:

• Extradition hearing for trial in The Hague
• Possible appeals against ICC jurisdiction
• Potential political intervention from allies

The case has divided the nation:

• Human rights advocates celebrate it as a victory for justice
• Supporters protest, defending his tough stance on crime
• Legal experts debate ICC jurisdiction

Upcoming March 20-21 hearings will determine if Duterte faces trial in The Hague, marking a potential historic first for Philippine justice.

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