Arrest of Rodrigo Duterte

The arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on 11 March 2025, pursuant to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity, and his subsequent transfer to The Hague by Philippine authorities.

(Supporters and the Philippine National Police protest around Villamor Air Base where former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was detained, 11 March 2025 – Anadolu Ajansı)

Background

Rodrigo Duterte, born in the Philippines in 1945, gained notoriety for his "hardline governance style" during his tenure as mayor of Davao City municipality. It is reported that thousands of people were killed under his "war on drugs" campaign, during which widespread human rights violations were alleged.

Elected President of the Philippines in 2016, Duterte announced his intention to implement harsh policies in the fight against crime and narcotic. During his election campaign, he openly declared he would kill drug dealers and criminals, and he actively continued this policy during his presidency. Duterte’s policies were severely criticized by human rights organizations and international bodies.

Rodrigo Duterte – Anadolu Ajansı

Arrest Process

Duterte was arrested on 11 March 2025 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, upon his return from Hong Kong. This arrest followed the ICC’s indictment of Duterte for crimes against humanity and the issuance of an arrest warrant.

It is reported that at least 7,000 police officers were deployed for Duterte’s arrest.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that Duterte’s arrest was “appropriate and correct” and emphasized that the Philippines, as a member of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), acted in accordance with international law during this process.

Philippine National Police outside Villamor Air Base where the former leader was detained, 11 March 2025 – Anadolu Ajansı

Charges

The ICC Prosecutor’s Office stated that Duterte is responsible for crimes against humanity committed during the “war on drugs” campaign, primarily in Davao and later across the entire Philippines, between 1 January 2011 and 16 March 2019. An arrest warrant was issued specifically for charges of murder, torture and rape such as. It is alleged that Duterte was the founder of the Davao Death and that during his term as mayor he turned a blind eye to extrajudicial executions.

According to official government figures, at least 6,200 people were killed during Duterte’s presidency. However, international human rights organizations and the ICC estimate the number to be between 12,000 and 30,000.

Transfer to the ICC

Following his arrest, Duterte was transported from the Philippines to The Hague on 12 March 2025 and handed over to ICC authorities. ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Inn described the transfer as “a significant development in terms of accountability.”

Duterte criticized his arrest, claiming he was “innocent” and that the accusations of human rights violations constituted a “political decision.”