Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is now in custody at the International Criminal Court (ICC) after his arrest in Manila and subsequent extradition to The Hague. The ICC has accused him of crimes against humanity, specifically linked to the violent anti-drug campaign during his presidency.
Arrest and Extradition to The Hague
Authorities detained Duterte on Tuesday at Manila’s airport upon his return from Hong Kong. He was immediately placed on a flight to Dubai, where records show the aircraft remained for several hours before departing for Rotterdam-The Hague Airport in the Netherlands.
Upon arrival in The Hague on Wednesday, Duterte was transported to a high-security United Nations detention facility in Scheveningen, a location that previously held figures like Slobodan Milošević, Charles Taylor, and Ratko Mladić.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
Outside the ICC headquarters, crowds gathered, reflecting divided opinions on Duterte’s arrest.
One protester, Alodiq Santos, shared mixed emotions but emphasized the need for justice.
“We are all Filipinos, and this is painful for many, but we must stand by our principles,” Santos said.
Meanwhile, Duterte’s supporters have called the charges politically motivated, arguing that his actions were necessary to combat drug-related crime in the country.
Duterte’s ‘War on Drugs’ and ICC Investigation
The ICC launched an investigation in 2021 into alleged extrajudicial killings carried out under Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. These operations date back to his time as mayor of Davao and continued through his presidency.
- Official police data states that over 6,000 individuals were killed in drug-related operations.
- Human rights organizations, however, estimate the actual number may be as high as 30,000.
- ICC judges determined there were “reasonable grounds” to charge Duterte as an “indirect co-perpetrator” of these crimes.
Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, which many saw as an attempt to avoid prosecution. His administration argued in 2021 that Philippine authorities were already conducting investigations, attempting to halt the ICC’s probe.
However, in 2023, ICC appeals judges ruled that the investigation could proceed despite Duterte’s objections.
The Legal Process Ahead
With Duterte now in custody, the ICC legal process will move forward in several stages:
- Initial Court Appearance – Duterte will appear before judges within days to confirm his identity and hear the charges against him.
- Confirmation of Charges Hearing – ICC judges will review the prosecution’s evidence to decide whether to proceed to a full trial.
- Jurisdiction Challenge – Duterte may argue that the Philippines withdrew from the ICC before his arrest, challenging the court’s authority.
- Potential Trial – If the ICC confirms the charges, the trial could last several years, given the complexity of crimes against humanity cases.
Duterte is also eligible to request provisional release while awaiting trial, though ICC judges will have the final say.
What This Means for the Philippines
Duterte’s arrest and extradition mark a significant moment in international law and Philippine politics. The case sets a precedent for holding world leaders accountable for human rights violations.
This development will likely shape discussions on justice, governance, and human rights in the Philippines, particularly as the country moves forward under new leadership.