Thu Mar 13 01:14:53 UTC 2025: ## Former Philippine President Duterte Arrested and Transferred to ICC Custody

**The Hague, Netherlands –** Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was taken into custody by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, following his arrest in Manila on Tuesday. The 79-year-old faces charges of crimes against humanity related to the deadly anti-drug campaign conducted during his presidency.

Duterte arrived at Rotterdam The Hague Airport after his arrest in the Philippines, fulfilling an ICC warrant. The court’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, hailed the arrest as a “crucial step” toward accountability for victims. Medical assistance was provided to Duterte at the airport as a precautionary measure. He was subsequently transported to the Scheveningen Prison.

Rights groups and families of victims celebrated the arrest, emphasizing the long-awaited pursuit of justice for thousands killed during the drug war. Emily Soriano, whose son was a victim, expressed relief but also demanded accountability for other officials involved. Meanwhile, grieving relatives gathered in the Philippines, carrying the urns of their loved ones, expressing their feelings of relief and happiness.

However, Duterte’s supporters strongly condemned the arrest, denouncing it as illegal and demanding his repatriation to the Philippines. They protested outside the court. Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, criticized the Marcos administration for surrendering him to the ICC, which she claimed lacked jurisdiction. She traveled to The Hague to meet with her father and his legal team.

The ICC investigation, launched in 2021, focuses on mass killings linked to the drug war during Duterte’s time as both Davao City mayor and president. Estimates of the death toll range from over 6,000 (official police figures) to as high as 30,000 (human rights group estimates). The ICC found “reasonable grounds to believe” that Duterte bears individual responsibility for the crime against humanity of murder.

Duterte’s legal team plans to challenge the court’s jurisdiction and the admissibility of the case. While the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019, the alleged crimes predate the withdrawal. The legal process is expected to be lengthy, potentially lasting years. Duterte will have an initial appearance in the coming days, and could later apply for provisional release. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. defended the arrest as “proper and correct,” rejecting claims of political persecution. In a video message from the plane, Duterte vowed to continue serving his countrymen.

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