In a historic and dramatic turn of events, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was taken into police custody yesterday at Villamor Air Base in Manila, following his arrival from Hong Kong. Escorted by local law enforcement and an Interpol representative, Duterte now faces investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity linked to thousands of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during his brutal war on drugs. This marks the first time a Philippine president has been arrested under an international warrant, a moment that could redefine accountability and the rule of law in the country.
The arrest comes after years of controversy surrounding Duterte’s signature policy, which saw an estimated 6,000 to 20,000 drug suspects killed, according to official figures and rights groups respectively, during his tenure as Davao mayor and later as president from 2016 to 2022. While Duterte withdrew the Philippines from ICC membership in 2019, the court retains jurisdiction over crimes committed during the country’s period of membership, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant coursed through Interpol. The Marcos administration, despite its earlier stance of non-cooperation with the ICC, has recently indicated a willingness to work with Interpol to uphold international law enforcement ties.
The image of Duterte, once dubbed “The Punisher” for his unapologetic stance on violence, being led away by authorities has struck a powerful chord. Observers noted his attempt to appear unfazed—chewing gum as he was flanked by officers—yet the moment symbolised a long-overdue reckoning for a leader who has often boasted of his role in the killings. During a recent House quad committee hearing on the drug war, Duterte defiantly stated, “Do not question my policies, because I offer no apologies, no excuses. I did what I had to do, and whether you believe it or not, I did it for my country.” Such statements, coupled with admissions of instructing police to provoke suspects into resisting arrest to justify lethal force, have fuelled accusations of impunity. 
A Legacy of Blood and Fear
Duterte’s war on drugs, launched with populist zeal, promised to rid the Philippines of narcotics through ruthless means. From his time as mayor of Davao, where summary killings were first documented, to his presidency, the campaign became a hallmark of his rule. Rights groups allege that the policy disproportionately targeted the poor, with many victims gunned down without trial or due process. Families of the deceased have long demanded justice, their grief compounded by a climate of fear that silenced dissent.
One of the most prominent critics of Duterte’s policies, former Human Rights Commissioner and Senator Leila de Lima, endured nearly seven years of incarceration on what she and her supporters describe as fabricated drug charges orchestrated by the Duterte administration. Released and acquitted in 2024, de Lima commented on the arrest, saying, “Today, Duterte is being made to answer—not to me, but to the victims, to their families, to a world that refuses to forget. This is not about vengeance. This is about justice finally taking its course.” Her words reflect a broader sentiment among activists and survivors that this moment, while significant, is only the beginning of a long battle for accountability.
A Test for the Marcos Administration
The arrest process itself was conducted with meticulous attention to protocol, a stark contrast to the lack of due process afforded to EJK victims. Malacañang issued a statement emphasising that the Prosecutor General personally served the ICC notification for the arrest warrant, government doctors examined Duterte before his transfer to custody, and police officers wore body cameras to ensure transparency. This methodical approach has been praised by observers who feared Duterte might evade justice following his earlier departure to Hong Kong.
Yet, the Marcos administration faces a delicate balancing act. While cooperating with Interpol, it must navigate domestic political pressures. Duterte retains a loyal base of supporters who view him as a strongman who prioritised national security over liberal ideals. There are concerns that his allies could exploit the arrest to stir unrest or garner sympathy ahead of upcoming elections. Rights lawyer Chel Diokno cautioned, “For decades, Duterte thought himself untouchable—above the law, beyond accountability. But history catches up with even the most ruthless despots. His reign of terror must meet its inevitable end: his conviction.”
The Road to The Hague
What happens next remains uncertain. The immediate priority, according to legal experts, is ensuring Duterte’s swift transfer to ICC custodial facilities in The Hague to prevent any interference by his political network. There are also calls for the ICC to issue arrest warrants for other individuals implicated in the drug war, including high-ranking officials and police commanders, before they can flee the country. The complexity of the case—spanning years of violence and involving thousands of victims—means that prosecutors will need robust evidence, including testimonies from survivors, families, and former operatives who have spoken of systemic abuses such as reward money for killings and cover-ups of related crimes.
The Philippine government, having missed the chance to prosecute Duterte domestically, now faces international scrutiny over its commitment to justice. This arrest is not just a legal proceeding; it is a symbolic moment that could reshape the nation’s political trajectory. A successful prosecution could deter future leaders from abusing power with impunity, while also restoring some measure of trust in the rule of law among a populace disillusioned by years of violence and fear.
International Implications and Domestic Healing
Beyond the Philippines, Duterte’s arrest sends a message to leaders worldwide that international mechanisms like the ICC can hold even the most powerful figures to account, regardless of national sovereignty claims. For a country whose global reputation has been tarnished by allegations of human rights abuses, adherence to the ICC process could signal a willingness to confront past wrongs and rebuild credibility on the world stage.
Domestically, the arrest offers a chance for healing, though the wounds inflicted by the drug war run deep. Families of EJK victims, many of whom have lived in silence or hiding, must now prepare to relive their trauma as witnesses in a potential trial. Their courage, alongside the efforts of human rights advocates, will be crucial in ensuring that the full scope of the atrocities is documented and addressed. At the same time, the government must protect these individuals from intimidation or retaliation by those still loyal to Duterte’s legacy.
A Long-Overdue Reckoning
Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest is a pivotal moment in Philippine history, one that challenges the narrative of impunity that has long defined his political career. While he once revelled in his image as a fearless enforcer, willing to bypass legal norms for what he claimed was the greater good, he now faces the prospect of answering for those actions in an international court. His defiant lack of remorse—evident in public statements and hearings—stands in stark contrast to the grief of thousands of families who lost loved ones to his policies.
The battle for justice is far from over. If confirmed, a trial at The Hague could expose the full extent of the drug war’s brutality, though it must be noted that such outcomes remain speculative until legal proceedings advance. For now, the focus must remain on ensuring that the wheels of justice turn unimpeded, free from political interference or manipulation. The Philippines stands at a crossroads: will it seize this opportunity to break free from a cycle of violence and impunity, or will the forces of division and loyalty to Duterte derail the pursuit of truth?
As the nation watches, and the world takes note, one thing is clear: the arrest of Rodrigo Duterte is not just about one man. It is about the soul of a country grappling with its past, and the hope that justice, however delayed, can still prevail.
