Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been taken into police custody following the issuance of a warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) accusing him of crimes against humanity linked to his controversial “war on drugs.” The 79-year-old leader was apprehended shortly after arriving at Manila airport from Hong Kong, where he had been campaigning for the upcoming mid-term elections.
Context of the arrest
Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022 and previously as the mayor of Davao City, is notorious for his brutal anti-drug campaign that resulted in thousands of deaths. Despite these accusations, he has not expressed remorse for his actions. Upon his arrest, he questioned the legitimacy of the ICC warrant, stating:
“What crime [have] I committed?”
Salvador Panelo, Duterte’s former presidential spokesperson, criticized the arrest, labeling it “unlawful” since the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019. However, the ICC maintains that it holds jurisdiction over crimes committed prior to the withdrawal. Activists have hailed the arrest as a pivotal moment for justice, with Peter Murphy, chairman of the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP), declaring,
“The arc of the moral universe is long, but today, it has bent towards justice.”
Reactions and implications
In the aftermath of his arrest, Duterte was seen using a cane while exiting the airport, although authorities have assured the public of his good health and access to medical care. He expressed disbelief over his situation, contending,
“What is my sin? I did everything in my time for peace and a peaceful life for the Filipino people.”
Filipino political scientist Richard Heydarian remarked that Duterte’s arrest signifies a new chapter in the country’s history, emphasizing the importance of rule of law and human rights. He noted that the prompt arrest was likely a tactic to prevent potential political unrest among Duterte’s supporters, who might have attempted to rally against the action.
The demand for accountability in Duterte’s drug war aligns with the political landscape shaped by his successor, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Initial reluctance from Marcos to support the ICC investigation has shifted in recent months as the relationship between the Duterte and Marcos families has soured. It remains uncertain whether Marcos will go as far as extraditing Duterte to The Hague.
Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which he initiated while serving as mayor of Davao, was marked by extreme violence, claiming the lives of over 6,000 individuals, according to various reports. Human rights advocates argue that the true number could be significantly higher, with many victims being innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire of a policy that disproportionately targeted the poor.
Despite the controversies surrounding his presidency, Duterte has maintained a strong base of support in the Philippines, particularly due to his roots in Mindanao, a region often overlooked by national leaders. His populist approach earned him the nickname the “Donald Trump of the East” and he has been known for his blunt rhetoric and strong stance against drug crime.
As the political situation unfolds, with Duterte’s daughter Sara Duterte emerging as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election, the implications of her father’s arrest could significantly impact the future of Philippine politics.