Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in Manila and transported to The Hague on Wednesday following an order from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Authorities apprehended Duterte at Manila’s airport as he returned from Hong Kong, before placing him on a flight to Dubai.
Flight tracking data showed the plane remained in Dubai for several hours before continuing its journey to Rotterdam-The Hague Airport in the Netherlands. Upon arrival, Dutch authorities transferred Duterte to a prison facility in Scheveningen, located two kilometers from the ICC, where high-profile detainees are usually held.
Duterte Charged with Crimes Against Humanity
The charges against Duterte relate to his involvement in the deadly anti-drug crackdown during his presidency. The ICC initiated an investigation in 2021 to look into mass killings linked to his aggressive “war on drugs,” which began in Davao and later expanded nationwide.
According to official police reports, over 6,000 individuals died as a result of the crackdown. However, human rights groups estimate the number of victims to be as high as 30,000. The ICC warrant cites Duterte’s role as an “indirect co-perpetrator,” suggesting he orchestrated and supervised the killings both as mayor of Davao and as President of the Philippines.
ICC’s Decision to Proceed with the Case
Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, a move widely seen as an attempt to avoid accountability for the alleged crimes. However, in 2023, the ICC ruled that investigations could continue, stating that the alleged crimes occurred before the Philippines’ official exit from the court.
Judges reviewing prosecution evidence concluded there were “reasonable grounds” to hold Duterte accountable for orchestrating the brutal crackdown. The decision marks a critical step in pursuing justice for the thousands of victims and their families.
Legal Proceedings and What Comes Next
Duterte is expected to appear in court within the next few days for a hearing where judges will confirm his identity and formally present the charges against him. A panel of pretrial judges will then assess whether the prosecutors have sufficient evidence to proceed to a full trial.
Although Duterte can challenge the ICC’s jurisdiction, the case remains valid because the alleged crimes occurred before the Philippines officially withdrew from the ICC. If the case advances, the legal process could take years to reach a conclusion.
During this period, Duterte may request provisional release while awaiting trial. Meanwhile, his arrest has drawn mixed reactions, with supporters and protesters gathering outside the ICC, reflecting the deep political divide over Duterte’s controversial legacy.