Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Arrested at Manila Airport on ICC Warrant for Alleged Crimes Against Humanity in Anti-Drug Campaign.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was taken into custody on Tuesday following his arrival at Manila’s international airport from Hong Kong. The arrest was executed based on an Interpol warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has been investigating allegations of crimes against humanity linked to Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign during his presidency. The Philippine government confirmed the arrest in a statement from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s office.

The arrest warrant stems from the ICC’s ongoing investigation into the mass killings that occurred under Duterte’s administration as part of his aggressive crackdown on illegal drugs. Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022, made the “war on drugs” a central theme of his political platform. The campaign, which drew both domestic and international criticism, was marked by numerous reports of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations.

Upon Duterte’s arrival in Manila, the prosecutor general served him with the ICC’s arrest notification. The government statement assured that Duterte is currently in custody and in good health. The arrest marks a significant development in the ICC’s efforts to hold Duterte accountable for the alleged human rights abuses during his tenure.

The case against Duterte highlights the ongoing international scrutiny of his administration’s policies and actions. The ICC’s involvement underscores the global community’s concern over the reported human rights violations in the Philippines. As the legal proceedings unfold, the situation continues to draw attention to the broader implications of international justice and accountability for former heads of state.