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Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Arrested by ICC for Drug War Killings

Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity for thousands of deaths during his controversial anti-drug campaign.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte attends a plenary session during the 34th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, June 22, 2019. REUTERS/Jorge Silva/File Photo
FILE - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte stands in front of the presidential seal during a ceremony with the Armed Forces of the Philippines at the Malacanang presidential palace in Manila, Philippines on July 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila, File)
Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte delivers a speech during the proclamation rally for his political party at Club Filipino in San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines on February 13, 2025.
Supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte gather outside the gate of Villamor Airbase, where Duterte was taken following his arrest on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant, on March 11, 2025 in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Overview

  • Rodrigo Duterte, former president of the Philippines, was arrested in Manila and transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity.
  • The ICC alleges Duterte is an 'indirect co-perpetrator' in the murders of thousands during his anti-drug campaign from 2016 to 2022, with estimates of deaths ranging from 6,000 to 30,000.
  • Duterte, in a video message recorded en route to The Hague, claimed full responsibility for the actions of law enforcement under his leadership and stated he was prepared for a long legal process.
  • Families of drug war victims expressed relief and hope for justice, recounting years of grief over the extrajudicial killings of their loved ones.
  • The arrest highlights a political rift between Duterte’s family and current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who affirmed the legality of the arrest despite past alliances.