Rodrigo Duterte arrested in Manila over drug war allegations

Rodrigo Duterte, former president of the Philippines, was arrested on Tuesday at Manila's airport. This follows an Interpol warrant related to his alleged role in a violent "war on drugs" that reportedly killed thousands during his presidency from 2016 to 2022. Duterte, known for his controversial remarks and violent past, rose to power promising to eradicate drugs and crime. His administration is linked to the deaths of between 12,000 and 30,000 civilians, primarily from poor urban areas. Despite international condemnation, Duterte maintained a defiant attitude. He questioned the legality of the arrest, stating, “What is the law and what is the crime that I committed?” His past comments about violence and crime have drawn significant scrutiny.