MANILA — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on Tuesday following the issuance of a warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity. Authorities in Manila confirmed that Interpol had received the warrant, leading to Duterte’s detention, though his daughter, Veronica Duterte, claimed on social media that he was being held illegally without due process.
The ICC has been investigating Duterte’s controversial drug war, which resulted in thousands of deaths, many allegedly carried out through extrajudicial killings. Human rights groups have long accused his administration of grave abuses, prompting the ICC to launch a probe despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the court in 2019. Officials in Malacañang have not disclosed whether Duterte will be extradited or if the Philippine government will contest the court’s jurisdiction.
The arrest marks a historic moment in the Philippines, where no former leader has faced international prosecution. Supporters of Duterte, including key political allies, have rallied to condemn the ICC’s actions, calling them an attack on Philippine sovereignty. Meanwhile, activists and victims’ families welcomed the development, seeing it as a step toward justice for the thousands killed during his presidency.
