In Manila, the Philippines experienced a dramatic confrontation involving former President Rodrigo Duterte after his arrest by order of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The tense event unfolded when Duterte, accompanied by his family and friends, faced off against law enforcement officials, reportedly refusing fingerprinting and stating defiantly, “you have to kill me to bring me to The Hague.” This was described on Thursday by a Philippine police general who was involved in the scene.
Major General Nicolas Torre elaborated on the 12-hour standoff at a Philippine air base on Tuesday. Despite resistance, law enforcement eventually escorted the 79-year-old Duterte onto a government-chartered flight bound for The Hague, Netherlands. This step was taken as he faces charges of crimes against humanity by the ICC.
Upon arrival in the Netherlands, Duterte underwent medical examinations as ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah confirmed. He is due to appear before ICC judges, where he will be informed of the charges, his rights, and the date for a pretrial hearing. This development marks a dramatic shift in Duterte’s fortunes, once a feared figure for his harsh anti-crime measures while in office.
His arrest sparked celebrations among human rights activists as a significant advancement against state impunity. Conversely, supporters expressed outrage, criticizing the current government’s decision to accede to a court whose jurisdiction they dispute. Duterte’s detention occurred shortly after he reached Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport with his family and associates.
Following his arrest, Duterte was escorted under tight security to Villamor Air Base for standard booking procedures, including fingerprinting, before his transfer to the plane heading to the ICC. However, Duterte and his companions delayed the process significantly, resulting in a 12-hour impasse. General Torre recounted the tense scene, noting personal attacks from Duterte’s family but maintaining composure during the confrontation.
The former president, previously experienced in law enforcement roles, resisted standard police procedures following his arrest, according to Torre. Duterte’s refusal to comply led to the arrest of his executive secretary, who obstructed his transfer to the aircraft. Additionally, a viral video captured Duterte challenging Torre about his transfer, emphasizing his reluctance to go voluntarily.
Duterte’s legal representatives have claimed Philippine authorities acted without presenting a proper ICC warrant, infringing upon his constitutional rights. They underscore that under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Manila agreed to hand over Duterte even though the Philippines had withdrawn from the ICC. Vice President Sara Duterte criticized this decision, asserting it undermines Philippine sovereignty and represents oppression rather than justice.
In response, President Marcos addressed the nation, rebuffing the vice president’s statements and pointing out the political divide following their once close alliance during the 2022 elections. Meanwhile, before his return to Manila from Hong Kong, Duterte communicated to his followers that he expected the arrest, expressing a certain resigned acceptance toward his fate.
Duterte gained notoriety for his aggressive stance against crime and employment of offensive language, both hallmarks of his public image, especially notable in his heavy-handed war on illegal drugs. This approach was evident throughout his presidency, notably straining relations with international figures, including former U.S. President Barack Obama. Additionally, in 2015, he attracted controversy by using harsh language against Pope Francis during a traffic incident in Manila, eventually leading to backlash from the Catholic Church and an apology.
