Duterte Arrested: A Historic Shift in Philippine Justice

In a historic moment for the Philippines, former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, following a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity related to his controversial war on drugs. This arrest marks a significant shift in accountability for a leader who once boasted about extrajudicial killings.

Duterte, known for his hardline stance against drug dealers, served as president from 2016 to 2022. His administration was characterized by brutal crackdowns that rights groups claimed resulted in thousands of deaths, with estimates ranging from 6,000 to 30,000 casualties. Amidst rising political tensions, and following a fracturing relationship with the current administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Duterte’s detention was a decisive act that many saw as a pivotal step towards justice for victims of his policies.

Reports from various sources highlight that the arrest was not due solely to the ICC’s influence. Instead, it was propelled by internal political dynamics within the Philippine elite, particularly a feud between Duterte’s family and the Marcos political dynasty. This power struggle foreshadowed Duterte’s eventual downfall, as the Marcos administration acknowledged its commitment to the ICC, despite Duterte’s long-standing rejection of its authority.

As news of Duterte’s custody spread, many citizens flocked to churches to honor the victims of his drug war, emphasizing the collective grief and hope for justice. Advocates for human rights viewed this arrest as an opportunity to challenge the culture of impunity that has persisted in the Philippines for years. With the ICC’s jurisdiction remaining intact for crimes committed before the nation’s withdrawal from the court, Duterte’s trial may pave the way for significant legal proceedings against those involved in human rights abuses.

Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, expressed cautious optimism, highlighting that while accountability may be on the horizon, the path to justice will likely be arduous and time-consuming.

As the case develops, much is at stake—not just for Duterte but for the victims of the drug war and the Philippines as a nation seeking to confront its troubled past.

Sources:

• Abelinde, A. K. (2025, March 14). FACT CHECK: Contrary to claims, ICC retains jurisdiction over PH drug war cases. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com
• Delizo, M. (2025, March 13). Military, police deny rumors of resignations in support of Rodrigo Duterte. ABS-CBN News. https://news.abs-cbn.com
• Magramo, K. (2025, March 13). How Duterte went from boasting about killing drug dealers to facing trial for crimes against humanity. CNN. https://www.cnn.com
• Valente, C. S. (2025, March 14). Palace: Marcos move on Duterte arrest no link to Uniteam fallout. The Manila Times. https://www.manilatimes.net