Duterte arrested for International Criminal Court investigation

Rodrigo Duterte, former president of the Philippines, was arrested at Manila airport on March 11, 2025, at the request of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC is investigating his role in a deadly drug war that reportedly killed thousands during his presidency from 2016 to 2022. Duterte has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming his actions were for the peace and safety of the Filipino people. The ICC had previously suspended its investigation in 2021 but resumed it in January 2023, stating it was not satisfied with the Philippines' internal inquiries. Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019 amid the investigation. His presidency saw a significant shift in foreign relations, moving away from the U.S. and towards China. His daughter, Sara Duterte, was recently impeached, marking a decline in the family's political alliance with the Marcos family.