Rodrigo Duterte faces ICC charges in the Hague over deadly drug war

Department of Research, Studies and International News 12-03-2025

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been transported to The Hague following his arrest in Manila, marking a significant development in the long-standing international case against him. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has accused Duterte of crimes against humanity for his brutal anti-drug campaign, which reportedly resulted in tens of thousands of deaths.

Duterte’s arrest unfolded on Tuesday morning at Manila’s main airport, shortly after he returned from Hong Kong. Authorities, acting on an ICC warrant delivered through Interpol Manila, took him into custody. By late evening, a plane carrying the former leader departed for The Hague, where he is expected to stand trial.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., addressing the media, confirmed the departure. “The plane left at 11:03 PM local time, heading to The Hague. This will allow the former president to answer charges related to his anti-drug campaign,” he stated.

However, Duterte’s youngest daughter, Veronica Duterte, voiced strong opposition, alleging on social media that her father had been “kidnapped” rather than lawfully arrested.

A Controversial Legacy of Violence

Rodrigo Duterte, who turns 80 this month, is accused of orchestrating a violent crackdown on drug-related crime that led to mass killings. Reports indicate that up to 30,000 people, mostly men from impoverished urban communities, lost their lives, often in what were described as extrajudicial executions.

Duterte’s tenure as president from 2016 to 2022 was marked by his openly violent rhetoric and a pledge to eliminate drug-related crime by any means necessary. His administration claimed that police only acted in self-defense during operations, but human rights organizations and independent investigators have consistently disputed these claims. Reports suggest that police frequently planted evidence and manipulated crime scenes to justify the killings.

Even before his presidency, Duterte allegedly maintained a so-called “death squad” in Davao City while serving as its mayor. These allegations, along with documented patterns of violence, prompted ICC prosecutors to launch an investigation into his actions spanning from November 2011 to March 2019.

Political Fallout and Divisions

The arrest has deepened political tensions in the Philippines, particularly between President Marcos and Duterte’s family. Although Marcos once had a political alliance with Duterte’s daughter, Sara Duterte, who currently serves as vice president, their relationship has deteriorated.

Marcos emphasized that his administration had not directly assisted the ICC but was following international legal obligations. “This arrest was conducted in accordance with the law. We complied with Interpol procedures,” he stated.

Sara Duterte responded defiantly, refusing to acknowledge Marcos’s stance. “If you are a true Filipino, you will not submit to foreign powers in your own country,” she said.

Resistance and Support

Duterte, known for his provocative statements, remained defiant even as he was taken into custody. In a video circulated online, he challenged authorities, saying, “You will have to kill me. I will not let foreigners decide our fate.”

Philippine police deployed hundreds of officers to secure key locations following the arrest. Duterte himself expressed a desire to be tried domestically, insisting, “If I committed any crime, let Philippine courts judge me.”

Despite his strongman image, Duterte has enjoyed significant support among Filipinos, particularly those who saw his war on drugs as a necessary measure to curb crime. However, human rights advocates view his arrest as a long-overdue step toward accountability.

Leila de Lima, a former senator and vocal critic of Duterte who was imprisoned under his administration on what were widely seen as politically motivated charges, responded to the news with a statement: “This is not about revenge. This is about justice finally taking its course.”

Similarly, Josalee S. Deinla, secretary general of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, which represents victims of the drug war, remarked, “Justice is finally catching up with Duterte.”

Legal Challenges and International Jurisdiction

Duterte’s supporters argue that since the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019, the court no longer holds jurisdiction over him. However, the ICC has maintained that it retains authority over crimes committed before the withdrawal.

The court’s case against Duterte focuses on extrajudicial killings in Davao City before his presidency, as well as nationwide operations from 2016 to 2019. ICC prosecutors aim to establish his direct responsibility for state-sanctioned violence.

Throughout his presidency, Duterte dismissed international criticism, stating that his actions were necessary to maintain order. Even during a Senate inquiry into the killings in 2024, he remained unapologetic, saying, “I did what I had to do for my country.” He admitted instructing police to encourage suspects to resist arrest, allowing officers to justify fatal force, though he denied explicitly ordering extrajudicial killings.

Duterte’s arrival in The Hague marks a turning point in international efforts to hold leaders accountable for human rights violations. While his trial could take years, it represents a significant step in global efforts to address state-sponsored violence.

As Duterte faces the possibility of a historic conviction, the Philippines remains deeply divided. His arrest has sparked debates over national sovereignty, justice, and the enduring consequences of his brutal drug war. Whether he is ultimately found guilty or not, his legacy will remain one of the most contentious in the country’s history.