Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, upon his arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for crimes against humanity related to his anti-drug campaign. Duterte was held at Villamor Airbase before being transferred to a flight bound for the Netherlands, where he is expected to stand trial at the ICC in The Hague.
Arrest and Detention
Duterte, 79, was taken into custody immediately after landing from Hong Kong. His legal team and supporters protested the arrest, arguing that the ICC has no jurisdiction over him, as the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019. Despite this, the ICC ruled in 2023 that it retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member.
Duterte's Response
Before his transfer, Duterte addressed his arrest via an Instagram Live hosted by his daughter, Kitty Duterte. He reiterated that he rejects ICC jurisdiction and stated that he would rather be tried in Philippine courts.
Reaction and Legal Implications
Duterte’s arrest has sparked divided reactions in the Philippines. His supporters, including Vice President Sara Duterte, condemned the arrest as an attack on the country's sovereignty, while human rights groups hailed it as a major step toward justice.
Next Steps
Duterte is currently en route to The Hague, where he will face trial at the ICC for crimes against humanity related to the controversial “war on drugs”, which resulted in an estimated 6,000 to 30,000 deaths.
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