Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, at Manila's international airport upon his return from Hong Kong. The arrest was executed based on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing Duterte of crimes against humanity related to his administration's anti-drug campaign.
Duterte, 79, is alleged to have orchestrated widespread extrajudicial killings during his presidency from 2016 to 2022. Official records indicate that over 6,000 individuals were killed during the crackdown on illegal drugs, though human rights organizations suggest the actual number may be significantly higher.
The ICC's investigation covers the period from November 1, 2011, when Duterte was mayor of Davao City, to March 16, 2019. Despite the Philippines' withdrawal from the ICC in 2019, the court maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed before the withdrawal.
Duterte's arrest has elicited mixed reactions. Human rights organizations and victims' families view it as a step toward justice. Conversely, Duterte's allies argue that the arrest violates national sovereignty, emphasizing that the Philippines is no longer a member of the ICC. Current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has stated that the government would cooperate if the ICC issued a request for Duterte's arrest, despite previously deciding not to rejoin the court.
The arrest has intensified political tensions in the Philippines, particularly between President Marcos Jr. and the Duterte family, who were once allies but now face a deepening feud.
