Duterte arrested in Manila under ICC warrant for crimes

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, at Manila's airport under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. The warrant accuses him of crimes against humanity linked to extrajudicial killings during his presidency and time as mayor. Duterte was transferred to ICC custody and is now facing trial in The Hague. The ICC's investigation cites thousands of deaths from his anti-drug campaign, with 43 specific cases highlighted as examples of a broader pattern of violence. Supporters claim the arrest is politically motivated and question the ICC's authority. However, the ICC maintains that it operates independently and only intervenes when domestic courts are unable or unwilling to prosecute.