Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Arrested in the Netherlands to Face ICC Over Drug War Crimes

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been taken into custody by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face charges of crimes against humanity. His arrest took place at Manila’s international airport on March 11, 2025, as he returned from Hong Kong. The ICC had issued a warrant on March 7, 2025, accusing Duterte of orchestrating thousands of extrajudicial killings as part of his controversial anti-drug campaign. Following his arrest, he was swiftly transported to The Hague in the Netherlands, where he is now awaiting his initial court appearance. The charges against Duterte focus on alleged human rights violations committed between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019, during his tenure as both mayor of Davao City and later as president. The ICC contends that his "war on drugs" led to mass killings, many of which involved law enforcement officers and vigilantes targeting suspected drug users and dealers without due process. While the Philippine government withdrew from the ICC in 2019, the court maintains it retains jurisdiction over crimes committed before the withdrawal took effect. Duterte’s legal team has argued against the ICC's authority, asserting that he should be tried under Philippine law instead. The arrest has sparked mixed reactions both domestically and internationally. Families of victims and human rights organizations see it as a long-overdue step toward justice, while Duterte’s supporters, including his daughter and current Vice President Sara Duterte, have condemned the move. The case has also intensified political tensions in the Philippines, particularly between the Duterte and Marcos factions. As the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on the ICC to determine whether the former president will stand trial for the alleged abuses committed under his leadership.