Photo credit: HRW

° In a turn of events that many thought they’d never see, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, in Manila and transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. This marks a major step in the long fight for justice for victims of the bloody "war on drugs" and other alleged human rights abuses under his watch.

A Shocking Yet Long-Awaited Arrest

Philippine authorities, acting on an ICC arrest warrant relayed through Interpol, took Duterte into custody and confirmed his departure from Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 11:03 p.m. The warrant accuses him of crimes against humanity, including thousands of extrajudicial killings between 2011 and 2019—both during his time as Davao City mayor and later as president.

"This is a long-overdue victory against impunity," said Bryony Lau, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "It’s a powerful message that no one is above the law."

The Bloody Legacy That Led to His Arrest

Duterte’s infamous "war on drugs," launched in 2016, left thousands dead—official police reports put the number at over 6,000, but human rights groups argue the true toll exceeds 30,000. Many victims were from poor communities, and even children weren’t spared. Allegations of police raids without warrants, executions, and planted evidence were widespread.

Despite these reports, only four low-ranking police officers have been convicted for extrajudicial killings. The lack of justice for victims pushed the ICC to begin a preliminary examination, leading Duterte to withdraw the Philippines from the ICC in 2018. However, under the Rome Statute, the ICC still has jurisdiction over crimes committed before the withdrawal took effect in 2019.

Marcos’ Role in Duterte’s Transfer to The Hague

Interestingly, Duterte’s arrest comes amid a growing rift between him and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Initially, Marcos’ administration resisted the ICC’s probe, but after political tensions escalated between the two camps in 2024, the stance shifted. By November, Marcos indicated that his government would cooperate with Interpol if an arrest warrant was issued. And now, it has happened.

With Duterte’s transfer to The Hague, attention now turns to what Marcos will do next. Human Rights Watch is urging him to go beyond this arrest by addressing ongoing extrajudicial killings, protecting activists, and even considering rejoining the ICC—a move that is reportedly gaining support among Filipinos.

What Happens Next?

Duterte’s next chapter will play out in the ICC, where he’ll face trial for crimes against humanity. His arrest also reinforces the court’s role in holding leaders accountable—especially at a time when institutions like the ICC are under attack globally.

"Marcos has begun to chip away at the culture of impunity," Lau said. "Now, he must go further—rescinding Duterte’s policies and reforming the Philippine police to prevent future abuses."

Duterte’s arrest is a historic moment, not just for the Philippines but for the world. It proves that even the most powerful figures can be held accountable. The question now is: will this be a turning point for justice, or just another chapter in a long and difficult fight?