Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Tuesday, March 11, after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for his arrest over crimes against humanity. Duterte, who led the controversial drug war that claimed nearly 30,000 lives according to human rights groups, is now in custody, marking the first time a former Philippine leader has been detained under an international tribunal’s order.
Duterte Arrested Upon Arrival in Manila
Duterte landed in Manila at 9:20 a.m. aboard Cathay Pacific flight CX 907 from Hong Kong, where he had been attending an event with overseas Filipino workers. Upon arrival, Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon presented him with an official ICC notification regarding his arrest warrant.
Malacañang confirmed the arrest through an official statement, saying that INTERPOL Manila received the official copy of the warrant in the early hours of March 11. The statement assured the public that Duterte and his entourage were in good health, with government doctors conducting a medical evaluation upon his arrival. Authorities also ensured transparency by equipping police officers with body cameras while executing the warrant.
“The former President and his group are in good condition. The officers enforcing the warrant ensured that body cameras were worn,” the statement from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) read.
Global Pressure and Legal Obligations
Duterte had been on INTERPOL’s Red Notice list following the ICC’s order, prompting Philippine law enforcement agencies to prepare for his return. Despite the Philippine government’s previous refusal to cooperate with the ICC, it adhered to its legal commitment to INTERPOL, leading to Duterte’s arrest.
Several high-ranking officials, including Justice Undersecretary Felix Ty and Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Chief Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre, were present at the airport during the arrest.
Ongoing ICC Probe and Duterte’s Legal Battle
Duterte’s arrest marks a significant milestone in the ICC’s ongoing investigation into extrajudicial killings that took place during his presidency and tenure as Davao City mayor. Despite the Philippine government’s 2019 withdrawal from the ICC and its appeal to halt the investigation, the tribunal proceeded with its probe, resulting in the issuance of an arrest warrant.
With Duterte now in custody, legal experts anticipate an extensive legal battle ahead. His arrest also places him among the few world leaders facing ICC warrants, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin, both of whom remain at large.
Duterte’s legal team has yet to release an official statement regarding the arrest, but political analysts suggest that his allies may challenge the legality of his detention, potentially escalating the case into a broader diplomatic and constitutional debate.
