In a stunning turn of events, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant over his controversial and violent war on drugs. His dramatic arrest has sent shockwaves throughout the country, as his family, supporters, and critics react to the unfolding legal saga.
On Tuesday night, Duterte, 79, was forcibly placed onto a plane bound for The Hague, where he faces charges related to his brutal anti-drug policies that left thousands dead during his presidency. His daughter, Sara Duterte, who currently serves as vice president of the Philippines, publicly expressed outrage over the arrest, calling it “oppression and persecution.” She described how her father was taken without consideration for his health, in what has become a politically charged and highly polarising issue.
Duterte’s Arrest: A Shocking Event for the Philippines
The arrest of Rodrigo Duterte is the culmination of years of investigation into his anti-drug campaign, which led to the deaths of thousands of individuals suspected of being involved in the drug trade. While police data confirms that more than 6,000 people died in the crackdown, many independent observers claim that the number could be far higher due to extrajudicial killings carried out by both police and vigilantes.
Duterte’s campaign, which was launched in 2016, garnered both widespread support and fierce criticism. While many Filipinos admired Duterte’s tough stance on crime, others were deeply disturbed by the violence and the lack of accountability for the killings.
The International Criminal Court launched an investigation into Duterte’s actions, and on Tuesday, a warrant for his arrest was issued. This has now led to his removal from the Philippines and forced journey to The Hague, where he faces charges of crimes against humanity. Specifically, the ICC has accused Duterte of ordering murders and executing suspects as part of his war on drugs.
What Led to Duterte’s Arrest?
Duterte’s arrest has been in the making for years, following his withdrawal of the Philippines from the International Criminal Court in 2019. The withdrawal was widely seen as an attempt to shield himself from accountability for his actions during his presidency. However, under international law, the ICC retains jurisdiction over crimes committed by Philippine officials during the period of their membership.
Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs saw thousands of alleged drug dealers, addicts, and innocent civilians killed, often in extrajudicial executions carried out by both police and rogue gunmen. Duterte was unapologetic about these killings, even admitting on multiple occasions that he ordered police to shoot suspects who resisted arrest. His policy led to widespread human rights violations, sparking international outrage and an investigation by the International Criminal Court.
Despite withdrawing from the ICC, the court proceeded with its investigation and eventually issued an arrest warrant. This arrest has divided the nation, with some Filipinos seeing Duterte as a hero for confronting the country’s drug problem, while others view him as a criminal responsible for heinous violations of human rights.
The Family’s Reaction: A Personal and Political Conflict
The arrest of Duterte has sparked a flurry of reactions from his family, particularly his daughters. Sara Duterte, the current vice president and Duterte’s eldest daughter, condemned the arrest as an act of persecution. She posted on social media, describing her father’s forced departure from the country as a violation of justice.
In a separate statement, Veronica Duterte, the youngest daughter of the former president, expressed concern over her father’s health, claiming that he was being “taken out on a plane by force without considering his health conditions.” The younger Duterte’s emotional post on Instagram reflected the family’s sense of grief and frustration over the political and legal actions being taken against the former president.
The Flight to The Hague: A Chaotic Journey
Duterte’s plane made a layover in Dubai, where he received medical attention, according to Reuters. During this stop, his supporters rallied outside the airport in Manila, expressing their anger over his arrest. As flight tracking services revealed, Duterte’s plane was originally scheduled to arrive in The Hague at 7:00 a.m. local time, but it was delayed to around 5:00 p.m. due to the long layover.
While Duterte’s arrival in The Hague marks the beginning of a legal battle for his actions, the situation remains in flux. The International Criminal Court has confirmed that Duterte will not make his first court appearance immediately upon arrival. The details surrounding his first court appearance remain unclear.
A Divided Nation: Supporters and Critics React
Duterte’s arrest has deeply divided the Philippines. On one hand, his supporters believe that his drug war was necessary to rid the country of a rampant drug problem. These supporters feel betrayed by the legal actions being taken against him and view his arrest as a political move to discredit his administration.
“I’m sad because I didn’t think it would come to a point where he would be arrested,” said Aikko Valdon, a Filipino who works overseas. “For me, he did a lot for our country, and this is what they did to him.”
On the other hand, victims’ families and human rights activists have celebrated the arrest, seeing it as a step towards justice for those who lost loved ones in the violent crackdown. Christine Pascual, the mother of one of the victims, expressed her joy at the news of Duterte’s arrest, saying that it was a victory after years of fighting for justice.
“The fight has just started, but we will make sure to see this through,” said Llore Pasco, the mother of two victims of the drug war. “We will not stop.”
What Happens Next?
As Duterte faces charges in the International Criminal Court, his political ambitions remain strong. Despite stepping down from the presidency in 2022, Duterte registered to run for mayor of Davao in the 2025 elections, ensuring that his political influence remains significant in the Philippines.
While Sara Duterte has served as vice president, her father’s influence and legacy still loom large over the nation’s political landscape. His legal troubles have not deterred his supporters, who continue to rally behind his tough stance on crime.
At the same time, Duterte’s opponents see his arrest as an opportunity to hold him accountable for his actions, hoping that his eventual trial will serve as a reminder that no one is above the law, regardless of their political status.
Conclusion: Duterte’s Arrest Marks a New Chapter in Philippine Politics
The arrest of Rodrigo Duterte is not just a personal setback for the former president; it also represents a turning point in the country’s ongoing struggle with human rights, accountability, and justice. As the International Criminal Court proceeds with its investigation, the world will be watching closely to see how the Philippines responds to this legal challenge.
For the victims of Duterte’s war on drugs, this is just the beginning of a long journey towards justice. Whether Duterte is ultimately convicted or acquitted, his arrest marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in Philippine politics.
Relevant Links for Further Reading
- Rodrigo Duterte and the War on Drugs
- International Criminal Court Arrest Warrant for Duterte
- Philippine Human Rights Concerns
Photo credit: CNN
