Philippines Ex-Leader Duterte on Plane to The Hague After Arrest

Rodrigo Duterte, the former President of the Philippines, was arrested on March 11, 2025, at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity.¹ The arrest was made by the Philippine National Police and Interpol Manila.

Duterte's arrest is related to the alleged extrajudicial killings during his tenure as President, particularly during the Philippine drug war, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of people. The ICC investigation, which began in 2017, found sufficient evidence to indict Duterte for crimes against humanity.

After his arrest, Duterte was detained at Villamor Air Base and later boarded a government-chartered flight to The Hague, Netherlands, where he will face trial at the ICC. His daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, criticized the government's handling of the situation, stating that her father was "forcibly taken" to The Hague.

The arrest and upcoming trial have sparked mixed reactions in the Philippines, with some supporting Duterte and others welcoming the ICC's decision. The case is seen as a significant step towards accountability for human rights abuses committed during Duterte's presidency.

Duterte's legal team has questioned the legality of the arrest, citing the Philippines' withdrawal from the ICC in 2019. However, the Philippine Supreme Court has ruled that the country remains obligated to cooperate with the ICC.

As the trial approaches, the international community will be watching closely to see how the case unfolds and what implications it may have for human rights and accountability in the Philippines.

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