Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025 at Manila’s international airport. Authorities acted on an ICC warrant, marking a significant development in the long-standing case.
ICC warrant and arrest
Earlier on Tuesday, Interpol Manila received the official ICC warrant. Shortly after, authorities took Duterte into custody, according to a presidential palace statement. Meanwhile, government doctors are examining him.
Duterte had just returned from a trip to Hong Kong. On Sunday, he strongly criticized the ICC probe, calling investigators “sons of whores.” Nevertheless, he admitted he would “accept it” if arrested.
War on drugs and ICC jurisdiction
Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which began in 2016, led to thousands of deaths. Notably, human rights groups estimate that tens of thousands, mostly from poor communities, were killed.
Although the Philippines left the ICC in 2019 under Duterte’s orders, the court retained jurisdiction over cases before the withdrawal. Additionally, the ICC is investigating killings from Duterte’s time as Davao mayor.
In July 2023, a five-judge panel rejected the Philippine government’s objections. As a result, the ICC resumed its inquiry into the controversial killings.
Government’s response and political impact
So far, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration has refused to cooperate with the ICC. However, Undersecretary Claire Castro stated that if Interpol requests assistance, the government must comply.
Despite his legal troubles, Duterte remains popular. In fact, many Filipinos continue to support his tough stance on crime. As a result, he is currently running for mayor of Davao.
Duterte’s defiant stand
Throughout his presidency, Duterte openly admitted to ordering a crackdown on drug suspects. Furthermore, he once instructed police to shoot if they felt threatened.
At a Senate hearing in October, he remained unapologetic. He stated: “I did what I had to do for my country.”
With his arrest, the case has entered a crucial phase. Now, many are closely watching how legal proceedings unfold.
