Duterte arrested for crimes against humanity in Manila

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for crimes against humanity related to his drug war. This marks the first time an Asian former head of state faces trial at the ICC. Duterte was apprehended upon arrival at Manila's airport after a flight from Hong Kong. He was then flown to The Hague, with a refueling stop in Dubai, amid a dispute between his legal team and authorities over the arrest. The Philippine government stated the arrest complied with Interpol requests, despite Duterte's withdrawal from the ICC in 2019. His family and supporters criticized the arrest, claiming it violated his rights and sovereignty, while some senators viewed it as justice for victims of extrajudicial killings.