11.03.2025 07:50
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested due to alleged crimes against humanity committed during his "war on drugs" operations throughout his term. At least 7,000 police officers were deployed to detain Duterte upon his return from Hong Kong, following an Interpol red notice issued against him.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested today in Manila after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for crimes against humanity in relation to the war on drugs.
ARRESTED AFTER RETURNING FROM HONG KONG
According to the Philippine government, Duterte was taken into custody at the airport in the capital after returning from his trip to Hong Kong.
STATEMENT FROM THE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) stated, "The former president and his companions are in good health and have been examined by government doctors. They assured him that he is in good condition."
"THEY CAN ARREST ME"
Speaking at a workers' rally in Hong Kong and stating that he was prepared for a possible arrest, Duterte said, "If this is really my fate in life, that's fine. I will accept it. They can arrest me, they can put me in jail."
MORE THAN 7,000 POLICE DEPLOYED
According to a report by the Manila Times, a senior official of the Philippine National Police (PNP), who wished to remain anonymous, stated that at least 7,000 police officers were assigned to apprehend Duterte upon his return from Hong Kong, following Interpol's issuance of a red notice against him.
WHAT HAPPENED?
In September 2021, the ICC decided to investigate alleged crimes against humanity committed during the "war on drugs" operations from 2016 to 2022, when Duterte was in office. However, towards the end of the year, the Philippines reviewed the same allegations and suspended the investigation, claiming that the ICC did not have jurisdiction as a final resort. The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC, on March 17, 2018, after the ICC initiated a preliminary investigation. On July 18, 2023, the ICC decided to continue the investigation.