Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, was arrested on a chartered jet bound for The Hague, Netherlands. The International Criminal Court (ICC) executed the arrest on charges of crimes against humanity linked to his controversial "war on drugs." Duterte, however, maintains his innocence, asserting that his actions were necessary measures for his country’s welfare.
The ICC began scrutinizing Duterte's alleged abuses in 2016 and launched a formal investigation in 2021. This investigation spans incidents from November 2011, when Duterte served as mayor of Davao, to March 2019, just prior to the Philippines' withdrawal from the ICC. During Duterte's anti-drug campaign, over 6,000 suspects were reportedly killed by police or unidentified assailants. Rights organizations contend that the actual number could be significantly higher.
"Do not question my policies because I offer no apologies, no excuses. I did what I had to do, and whether or not you believe it… I did it for my country," said Rodrigo Duterte.
Despite the Philippines' withdrawal from the ICC in 2019, the court claims jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed before this exit. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has affirmed that the nation is adhering to its legal responsibilities, indicating that Duterte will face charges related to his "bloody war on drugs."
"This is what the international community expects of us," stated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Duterte's daughter Sara, who currently serves as vice president, expressed her intention to accompany her father to The Hague. Political scientist Richard Heydarian emphasized that Duterte's arrest signifies a pivotal moment in Philippine history.
"This is about rule of law and human rights," remarked Richard Heydarian.
The relationship between Duterte and Marcos has become strained, with Marcos openly criticizing Duterte's administration for being overly influenced by China. Despite his widespread popularity in the Philippines, Duterte's arrest has triggered protests and criticism among some of his supporters.
"Duterte's arrest is the beginning of accountability for the mass killings that defined his brutal rule," said Peter Murphy.
The ICC announced its commitment to continue its investigation into Duterte’s alleged crimes, irrespective of the Philippines' withdrawal from the court. China's foreign ministry has cautioned the ICC against allowing "politicisation" and "double standards" to influence Duterte’s arrest.
"I hate drugs, make no mistake about it," Duterte once declared during his presidency, reflecting his hardline stance that led to the launch of his aggressive drug campaign.
"If I committed a sin, prosecute me in Philippine courts, with Filipino judges, and I will allow myself to be jailed in my own nation," Duterte insisted in a video posted online on Tuesday by another daughter, Veronica Duterte.
The arrest of Duterte has not only captured international attention but also sparked debates about justice and accountability within the country. His actions during his time in office have remained divisive, with supporters praising his crackdown on crime and critics condemning the violent measures employed.
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