Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been taken into custody by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on murder charges linked to his controversial "war on drugs." Arrested in Manila, the 79-year-old was transferred to The Hague, Netherlands, where he awaits trial for crimes against humanity.
The ICC issued a statement confirming Duterte’s arrest, stating he was "surrendered to the custody of the International Criminal Court" for overseeing extrajudicial killings during his anti-drug campaign. During his presidency from 2016 to 2022, over 6,200 people were officially reported killed in police operations, though activists claim the actual death toll is much higher. The arrest warrant alleges Duterte orchestrated death squads targeting suspected drug users and dealers.
A video from his arrest shows Duterte questioning the charges, asking, "What is the crime committed?" A law enforcement official informed him of the ICC warrant accusing him of multiple murders.
Duterte’s arrest has sparked mixed reactions. Outside the ICC, anti-Duterte demonstrators held banners labeling him a "war criminal," while supporters criticized his transfer, calling it a "shameful act." Back in the Philippines, families of drug war victims see this as a long-awaited moment for justice.
Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, has flown to Amsterdam, with reports suggesting legal teams are assessing their next move. Meanwhile, former legal counsel Salvador Panelo stated that Duterte’s youngest daughter, Veronica, plans to file a habeas corpus request in the Philippine Supreme Court to demand his return.
This marks a pivotal moment for the ICC, reinforcing its authority in prosecuting high-profile leaders. Alongside Duterte, the court has also sought arrest warrants for figures like Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both facing serious allegations.