In Manila, the former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for crimes against humanity. This arrest comes after an ongoing investigation on the violent anti-drug campaign that marked his political career. Duterte, notorious for his harsh strategies against drugs, was detained after more than a decade-long international scrutiny. His tenure has been stained by a substantial death toll associated with the brutal crackdown he led in the war against drugs.
Speculations about Duterte potentially seeking exile emerged when he visited Hong Kong for the weekend and was the central speaker at a gathering of Filipino expatriates. The gathering, held in the bustling Southorn Stadium in Hong Kong’s Wan Chai district, was filled with thousands who showed their support amidst a sea of Philippine flags.
At 79 and enduring health issues, Duterte continued to advocate for his party’s senatorial candidates as the Philippines gears up for the May 12 mid-term elections. Fully acknowledging the ICC’s arrest warrant, he nevertheless attempted to rationalize his severe methods during the assembly. Yet, as he returned to Manila, Philippine authorities detained him upon landing, acting on the ICC’s directives.
Duterte’s popularity at home stood in stark contrast with the international community’s condemnation. As a former prosecutor, congressman, and Davao City mayor, he was celebrated for his forthright rhetoric against elites and foreign entities, while positioning himself as a champion for the poor. However, it’s his aggressive stand against crime and drugs that truly defined his rule. Initiating in Davao City, his campaign saw thousands of people, mostly from impoverished backgrounds, fall victim to extrajudicial killings.
Over the years, this zealous oppression earned Duterte formidable nicknames like “the Punisher.” Dissenters found it perilous to testify against him. His presidency in 2016 was secured by pledges to eradicate drug activity and corruption swiftly, appealing to a population fed up with chronic crime. Yet, international bodies like the United States and the European Union were vocal critics, leading to verbal spats between Duterte and figures such as former U.S. President Barack Obama.
Facing the ICC’s allegations, Duterte withdrew the Philippines from its jurisdiction in 2019, arguing that national authorities already managed the investigations. This was seen as an evasion tactic, though a 2023 ICC decision revived the case, dismissing any protestations from his administration. While the Philippines is no longer associated with the ICC, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ensured collaboration if international law enforcement moves to detain Duterte.
The possibility of Duterte’s arrest through means like Interpol has been discussed, although no formal confirmation has arrived from the ICC or Interpol itself. A Philippine legislator, linked to the cases filed against Duterte, disclosed the issuance of a warrant, yet remained anonymous due to the affair’s sensitivity.
In a speech to his Hong Kong audience, Duterte defended his past actions, claiming they ensured the protection of Filipinos. Despite denying any extrajudicial killings, he luridly expressed his willingness to kill drug offenders during his reign. Considering a potential imprisonment, he jested about building a monument in his honor, portraying him armed.
After stating his retirement from politics in 2022, Duterte surprised many by announcing a mayoral candidacy in Davao with one of his sons as a running partner. As the upcoming elections approach, security measures in Davao have intensified, with additional police presence and checkpoints to maintain order. The Marcos administration conveyed readiness to manage any disturbances should Duterte’s arrest provoke unrest.
