WORLD NEWS

Arrest Details : Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila airport on an ICC warrant for crimes against humanity linked to his "war on drugs."

By Aniket Chakraborty

Mar 11, 2025

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Extradition Context : The arrest followed his return from Hong Kong, where he campaigned for a mayoral bid in Davao ahead of the May 12 elections.

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Duterte’s Denial : He dismissed the charges, asking, “What crime [have] I committed?” and insisted his actions were for national peace.

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Legal Dispute : His spokesperson called the arrest “unlawful,” citing the Philippines’ 2019 ICC withdrawal, but the ICC asserts jurisdiction over pre-2019 crimes.

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Activist Reaction : Rights groups hailed the arrest as a “historic moment” for victims of the drug war and their families.

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Drug War Toll : The campaign saw over 6,000 deaths, with UN reports alleging systemic police abuses targeting poor urban males.

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Political Legacy : Duterte, a populist known as the “Donald Trump of the East,” shifted Philippine foreign policy toward China during his presidency.

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Family Influence : His daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, is a potential 2028 presidential candidate, continuing the family’s political dominance.

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Health and Custody : Authorities confirmed Duterte’s “good health” during detention, though footage showed him using a cane post-arrest.

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Marcos’ Dilemma : President Ferdinand Marcos faces pressure to extradite Duterte, despite initial resistance to cooperating with the ICC.

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