Thu Mar 13 06:37:37 UTC 2025: ## Former Philippine President Duterte Arrested by ICC, Pleads Responsibility for Drug War Deaths

**The Hague, Netherlands** – Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of crimes against humanity related to his country’s deadly “war on drugs,” and has publicly accepted responsibility for the actions taken during his tenure.

Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022, was arrested in Manila on Tuesday and subsequently transferred to the ICC’s detention facility in the Netherlands. In a video message posted to social media, Duterte stated, “I am the one who led our law enforcement and military. I said that I will protect you and I will be responsible for all of this.” He emphasized his commitment to protecting the police and military involved in the crackdown.

The ICC warrant alleges that Duterte created, funded, and armed death squads responsible for the murders of thousands of suspected drug users and dealers. While the official death toll stands at over 6,000, human rights groups estimate the number to be significantly higher.

The arrest has been lauded by human rights advocates, with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk calling it a “very important step towards seeking accountability for the thousands of victims of killings.” However, the move has drawn criticism from China, which warned against “politicisation” and “double standards” by the ICC.

Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, has arrived in The Hague to support her father’s legal defense and is scheduled to hold a press conference. Duterte is expected to appear before an ICC judge in the coming days for an initial appearance. The case marks a significant development for the ICC, which has faced pressure from the US government over other issued arrest warrants.

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