Former Philippine President Duterte Arrested on ICC Warrant

Former Philippine President Duterte Arrested on ICC Warrant

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on Tuesday at Manila's international airport upon his return from Hong Kong. The arrest was executed by local authorities acting on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which accuses Duterte of crimes against humanity related to his controversial war on drugs.

Charges of Crimes Against Humanity

The ICC's warrant charges Duterte with "the crime against humanity of murder," citing his administration's aggressive anti-drug campaign that reportedly led to thousands of deaths, primarily among impoverished communities. Human rights organizations estimate that up to 30,000 individuals were killed during these operations, often without substantial evidence linking them to drug activities.

 

Health and Legal Proceedings

Following his arrest, Duterte, 79, underwent medical examinations conducted by government doctors, who confirmed he is in good health. He is currently in police custody as legal proceedings commence.

Background on the ICC Investigation

The Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019 under Duterte's directive. However, the court maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed before the withdrawal, including those during Duterte's tenure as mayor of Davao City prior to his presidency. The ICC initiated a formal investigation in September 2021, temporarily suspended it upon the Philippine government's request for a re-examination of the cases, and resumed the probe in July 2023 after rejecting the Philippines' objections regarding jurisdiction.

Government's Stance on Cooperation

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration has previously expressed reluctance to cooperate with the ICC's investigation. However, recent statements indicate that the government acknowledges its obligation to assist if Interpol requests support in enforcing the ICC's warrant.