MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila’s international airport on Tuesday, according to a statement from the Philippine government. The arrest was made on the orders of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with a case of crimes against humanity filed against him.
Duterte was taken into custody upon his arrival from Hong Kong. The ICC has been investigating the widespread killings that occurred during Duterte's administration's deadly crackdown on illegal drugs.
The ICC launched its investigation into the drug killings in 2011, covering the period from November 1, 2011, when Duterte was mayor of Davao City, to March 16, 2019, while he was president. The investigation is looking into potential crimes against humanity.
The arrest of Duterte marks a significant development in the ICC's investigation and raises questions about the Philippines' ongoing efforts to address allegations of human rights abuses during Duterte's presidency.
Appeals judges at the ICC ruled in July 2023 that the investigation could resume, rejecting the Duterte administration’s objections. The ICC can step in when countries are unwilling or unable to prosecute suspects in the most heinous international crimes, including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has decided not to rejoin the global court. But the Marcos administration has said it would cooperate if the ICC asks international police to take Duterte into custody through a so-called Red Notice.
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