Tue Mar 11 05:17:51 UTC 2025: ## Former Philippine President Duterte Arrested at Manila Airport on ICC Warrant

**Manila, Philippines –** Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila’s international airport on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for crimes against humanity. The arrest, which occurred upon his arrival from Hong Kong, stems from the ICC’s investigation into the mass killings that took place during Duterte’s controversial anti-drug crackdown.

The Philippine government confirmed the arrest, stating that the prosecutor general served the warrant upon Duterte’s arrival. The surprise arrest led to immediate protests from Duterte’s lawyers and aides, who claimed his constitutional rights were violated by preventing them from accessing him. Senator Bong Go, a close Duterte ally, echoed these concerns.

The arrest has been met with a mix of shock and elation. While Duterte’s supporters expressed outrage, families of victims of the drug war reacted with tears of relief. Randy delos Santos, whose nephew was killed during an anti-drug operation, stated that the arrest represents a significant step towards justice. He urged the prosecution of other officials implicated in the killings.

The ICC investigation covers the period from November 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019, encompassing Duterte’s time as mayor of Davao City and later as president. The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019, a move widely seen as an attempt to evade accountability. Despite this, the ICC’s appeals judges ruled in 2023 that the investigation could proceed.

Current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who succeeded Duterte, has opted not to rejoin the ICC but stated his administration would cooperate with any requests for Duterte’s extradition. Duterte’s health is reported to be good. The location of his detention has not yet been publicly disclosed.

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