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Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity related to his administration’s brutal anti-drug campaign.
The arrest occurred on March 11, 2025, when Duterte returned to Manila from a trip to Hong Kong.
Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022, has long faced international criticism for his war on drugs, which reportedly led to thousands of deaths. Despite the Philippines officially withdrawing from the ICC in 2019, the court has continued its investigation into alleged human rights violations that occurred before the country’s exit.
The arrest has sparked mixed reactions across the Philippines. Families of the victims of the drug campaign have welcomed the move as an important step toward justice. However, Duterte’s supporters have labeled the action as politically motivated, seeing it as a strike against the former leader and his influence.
As Duterte’s legal proceedings move forward, the Philippine government, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., will have to decide whether to extradite the former president to the ICC in The Hague or handle the charges within the country.
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The decision could have far-reaching consequences for the nation’s political future and its standing in the global community.
Duterte’s anti-drug initiative began immediately upon his assumption of office in 2016, aimed at combating the growing drug problem in the Philippines. While some praised the effort for tackling the drug trade, it also raised serious concerns about extrajudicial killings and violations of human rights. The ICC’s investigation focuses on these alleged abuses and the deaths of thousands of individuals during Duterte’s presidency.
As the case unfolds, it could set a significant precedent for accountability and justice in the Philippines, with the international community closely watching how the government handles the former president’s legal battles.
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