In Manila, ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte found himself at the center of a dramatic standoff with law enforcement following his arrest, which was ordered by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Philippine police Major General Nicolas Torre recounted the events of the tense encounter on Tuesday, which involved a lengthy 12-hour deadlock at a military airbase in the capital. Ultimately, authorities managed to transport the 79-year-old former leader to The Hague in the Netherlands, where he was detained on charges related to crimes against humanity.
Duterte was initially arrested at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, accompanied by his common-law wife, his daughter, and friends arriving from Hong Kong. He was then taken to a nearby presidential lounge at Villamor Air Base for standard booking procedures, such as fingerprinting, before being flown to The Hague. However, resistance from Duterte, his family, and associates complicated the transfer process, causing a prolonged standoff.
The incident echoed the high tension surrounding Duterte, who famously implemented ruthless anti-crime policies during his presidency. Once feared and controversial for his brash remarks against influential global figures, Duterte’s arrest was seen as a pivotal moment by human rights groups, marking a potential triumph over governmental impunity.
Torre revealed that the confrontation at the airbase escalated when Duterte’s arrest procedures were resisted. An officer was reportedly injured during the altercation, exacerbating the fraught situation. As tensions heightened, Duterte was quoted as challenging Torre, questioning his immediate transfer to the plane by saying, “You have to kill me to bring me to The Hague.” Despite the turmoil, the police managed to eventually escort Duterte to the aircraft.
Following the arrest, Duterte’s legal team argued that no formal ICC warrant was presented, challenging the manner of arrest and highlighting potential breaches of his constitutional rights. The current administration under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sanctioned Duterte’s transfer despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC. Vice President Sara Duterte, the former president’s daughter, decried the actions as a violation of national sovereignty and criticized the government’s cooperation with international authorities.
The situation drew a sharp response from President Marcos, who appeared on national television to refute the vice president’s claims. The political fallout underscored the fractured relationship between former political allies who campaigned together in the 2022 elections before their ties deteriorated.
Prior to his arrest, Duterte had addressed supporters in Hong Kong, acknowledging the potential for his incarceration due to the ICC warrant. He expressed resignation towards his fate, indicating his readiness to face the consequences for his longstanding policies. Known for his aggressive approach to criminality and inflammatory rhetoric, Duterte showed little remorse for the controversial strategies that characterized his administration.
Throughout his presidency and beyond, Duterte’s strongman approach and disregard for diplomatic norms often put him at odds with international critics, cementing his reputation as a divisive figure in global politics. The unfolding legal and political drama surrounding his arrest now marks a significant point in the accountability of leaders involved in alleged human rights violations.
