Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on March 11, 2025, under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant charging him with crimes against humanity related to the Philippine Drug War.
Duterte arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on March 11, and his departure was issued right after the warrant was executed, leaving him in custody at the Villamor Air Base before being shifted to The Hague, Netherlands, for trial in court.
The former president's arrest follows years of allegations concerning a brutal anti-drug campaign that led to thousands of extrajudicial killings, alongside widespread reports of human rights abuses including torture and arbitrary arrests. The ICC’s involvement was spurred by mounting evidence that the campaign was marked by a systematic pattern of violence against suspected drug offenders, which extended beyond the bounds of legality and morality.
On the other hand, supporters of Duterte expressed outrage at what they deemed a politically motivated attack against the former leader. Many took to social media to defend him, arguing that his stringent approach to crime had, in their view, reduced drug-related violence during his administration.
As he prepares for trial at the ICC, legal experts anticipate a landmark case that will address significant issues surrounding international law and human rights. Duterte’s legal team has indicated plans to contest the charges, asserting that actions taken during his presidency were justified as measures to ensure national security.
The upcoming trial could have far-reaching implications not only for Duterte but also for the future of governance and human rights in the Philippines. With global attention focused on the proceedings, the ICC’s handling of the case may set important precedents for international justice.