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Former Philippine Leader Duterte Sent to ICC for Crimes Against Humanity
Rodrigo Duterte, former Philippine president, has been arrested & flown to The Hague to face ICC charges over his deadly "war on drugs." Families of victims say this marks a step toward justice.
ND
by News Desk
2025-03-12
Former Philippine Leader Duterte Sent to ICC for Crimes Against Humanity

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been flown to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity over his controversial anti-drugs campaign. His arrest in Manila marks a historic moment for international justice, as he becomes the first Asian former head of state to be transferred to the ICC for trial.

Duterte’s Arrest and Transfer to The Hague

Duterte, 79, was arrested early Tuesday in Manila. His plane, originally set to arrive in the Netherlands at 0600 GMT, faced delays and landed after a layover in Dubai, where he underwent medical checks. Upon arrival in Rotterdam, he will be presented before an ICC judge, and the charges against him—including allegations of running state-sponsored death squads—will be formally read out.

The ICC accuses Duterte of crimes against humanity, citing systematic extrajudicial killings that took place during his presidency from 2016 to 2022. Official police figures state that 6,200 people were killed in anti-drug operations, but activists claim the true number is much higher, with thousands more executed without trial.

Mixed Reactions to the Arrest

Duterte’s transfer has sparked strong reactions, both in the Philippines and internationally. Outside the ICC in The Hague, protesters gathered, holding banners that read, "We demand justice and accountability, Rodrigo Duterte is a war criminal!" A demonstrator wore a mask depicting Duterte as a vampire, symbolizing his alleged role in state-sponsored killings.

Mary-Grace Labasan, one of the protesters, remarked, "He is lucky to be facing due process, unlike his victims who were simply shot and killed."

Meanwhile, a smaller group of pro-Duterte supporters also assembled outside the court, condemning his arrest. "They handed our president to foreigners. They brought shame to our country," said Janet Suliman, expressing nationalist outrage over the ICC proceedings.

Legal and Political Ramifications

Duterte’s legal team, led by former Labor Minister Silvestre Bello, is working to assess their next steps. His youngest daughter, Veronica Duterte, plans to file a habeas corpus request with the Philippine Supreme Court, seeking to force the government to return him.

Additionally, his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, has flown to Amsterdam, though her exact plans remain unclear. The Duterte family, once politically dominant, has faced internal and external challenges, including Sara Duterte’s recent impeachment by allies of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

A Test for the ICC

Duterte’s arrest and transfer mark a significant moment for the ICC, which has often struggled to bring high-profile leaders to trial due to its lack of enforcement power. Legal experts believe this case could bolster the court’s credibility.

"This proves that international justice is not just a Western construct. It is universal," said Gilbert Andres, a lawyer representing families of victims.

With Duterte now in ICC custody, the world is watching closely to see how the case unfolds and whether justice will finally be served for the thousands of victims of his brutal drug war.
Tagged:

ICC

JusticeForVictims

CrimesAgainstHumanity

WarOnDrugs

Duterte
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