Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, a polarizing figure known for his brutal anti-drug campaign, is now in police custody at Camp Crame in Quezon City, following his arrival from Hong Kong. The development, confirmed by Senator Bong Go and former Labour Secretary Silvestre Bello III, comes amid reports of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity during his presidency.
Senator Go, speaking to reporters at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Tuesday morning, stated simply, “Nasa PNP na po” (He is with the Philippine National Police). Bello, who accompanied Go, added that Duterte was served with a “document” upon arrival, though it remains unclear whether this was the ICC warrant or another legal notice. Bello cited information from PNP Chief General Marbil, confirming Duterte’s location at Camp Crame, the national police headquarters.
The arrest marks a dramatic turn for Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022 and previously as mayor of Davao City, where he first gained notoriety for his hardline stance on crime. His signature policy, the so-called “war on drugs,” resulted in thousands of deaths, with official government figures citing at least 6,000 killings during his presidency. However, human rights groups and the ICC estimate the toll to be far higher—between 12,000 and 30,000 from 2016 to 2019 alone—alleging that many of these were extrajudicial killings carried out by police or vigilante groups with tacit state approval. 
A Legacy of Violence and Controversy
Duterte’s drug war has long been a lightning rod for criticism, both domestically and internationally. While his supporters argue that the campaign reduced crime and drug use in the Philippines, detractors—including human rights organizations and the United Nations—have condemned it as a systematic violation of human rights. Reports of summary executions, fabricated evidence, and targeting of impoverished communities have fueled calls for accountability.
The ICC’s involvement stems from a formal investigation launched in 2021 into alleged crimes against humanity committed during Duterte’s tenure. The court’s focus has been on the extrajudicial killings linked to the drug war, with prosecutors arguing that these acts were part of a widespread and systematic attack on civilians. The Philippine government under Duterte withdrew from the ICC in 2019, claiming the court had no jurisdiction over the country. However, the ICC has maintained that it retains authority over crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member.
The reported issuance of an arrest warrant by the ICC, as confirmed by the Philippine State Palace, raises complex legal and political questions. While the current administration under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not formally commented on whether it will comply with the ICC’s directive, the arrest by the Philippine National Police suggests a degree of cooperation—or at least an acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation.
Legal and Political Implications
Duterte’s detention at Camp Crame is not just a legal matter but a deeply political one, reflecting the fractured state of Philippine politics. During his presidency, Duterte cultivated a strongman image, often railing against international interference and portraying himself as a defender of national sovereignty. His defiance of the ICC and Western criticism resonated with many Filipinos frustrated by crime and corruption, even as it alienated others who saw his methods as authoritarian.
If the document served to Duterte is indeed an ICC warrant, it could set the stage for a protracted legal battle. Under international law, states are obliged to cooperate with ICC directives, but enforcement often depends on domestic political will. Analysts suggest that the Marcos administration may face pressure from both domestic constituencies—some of whom still view Duterte as a hero—and international partners advocating for accountability.
“If confirmed, this arrest could be a turning point for justice in the Philippines,” said Maria Lopez, a human rights lawyer based in Manila. “But it also risks deepening political divisions. The government will need to balance calls for accountability with the potential backlash from Duterte’s supporters.” Lopez’s caution reflects a broader concern: Duterte retains significant influence, particularly in his home region of Mindanao, and among political allies like Senator Go.
Beyond the domestic sphere, the case has geopolitical ramifications. The United States and European Union, which have previously sanctioned Philippine officials linked to the drug war, may welcome the development as a step toward accountability. However, any move to extradite Duterte to The Hague could strain relations with countries skeptical of the ICC, such as China, a key economic partner of the Philippines.
Conditional Analysis: What Might Happen Next?
While the specifics of the “document” served to Duterte remain unclear, several outcomes are possible. If it is indeed an ICC arrest warrant, the Philippine government will face a decision on whether to surrender him to the court—a move that, if pursued, could take months or years due to legal challenges. Alternatively, Duterte’s custody might relate to domestic charges, as he faces multiple lawsuits in the Philippines over the drug war and other alleged abuses of power. No official confirmation of the nature of the charges has been provided at the time of writing, and speculation must be treated with caution.
If Duterte is transferred to ICC custody, it would mark a rare instance of a former head of state being held accountable by the court for alleged crimes against humanity. Such a development could embolden human rights advocates worldwide, though it may also provoke a nationalist backlash in the Philippines, where some view the ICC as an intrusive foreign entity. Conversely, if the government opts to shield Duterte, citing sovereignty, it risks further international isolation and potential sanctions—a delicate balancing act for President Marcos.
It must be emphasized that these scenarios remain speculative. There is no confirmed evidence at this stage that Duterte will be extradited, nor clarity on the precise legal basis for his current detention. The situation is fluid, and official statements from the PNP or the State Palace will be critical in shaping the next steps.
Voices from the Ground
Public sentiment on Duterte’s arrest is predictably divided. On social media platforms like X, reactions range from jubilation among human rights advocates to outrage among his staunch supporters. “Finally, justice for the thousands killed in the drug war,” wrote one user, while another countered, “This is a witch hunt by foreign powers. Duterte fought for us.” These contrasting views underscore the deep polarization that continues to define Duterte’s legacy.
In Manila’s poorer neighborhoods, where the drug war was most intensely felt, opinions are similarly mixed. “My brother was killed by police during a raid. They said he was a dealer, but he wasn’t,” said Ana Reyes, a 34-year-old mother of three. “I hope this means something changes, but I don’t trust the system.” Others, however, credit Duterte with making their streets safer, reflecting the complex legacy of his policies.
A Long Road to Accountability
As Duterte remains in custody at Camp Crame, the eyes of the world are on the Philippines. His arrest, whether tied to the ICC warrant or domestic proceedings, represents a critical juncture in the country’s struggle to reckon with the violent chapters of its recent history. For the families of the drug war’s victims, it offers a glimmer of hope for justice, though many remain skeptical that true accountability will be achieved.
The coming days and weeks will be pivotal. Will the Philippine government fully cooperate with the ICC, or will it prioritize domestic political stability? Can a polarized nation find common ground on the question of Duterte’s legacy, or will his arrest further entrench divisions? These questions linger as the former president, once a symbol of unyielding power, now faces an uncertain future behind the walls of Camp Crame.
For now, the only certainty is that Rodrigo Duterte’s story—one of populism, violence, and defiance—is far from over.
