Wed Mar 12 18:57:04 UTC 2025: **Former Philippine President Duterte Arrested and Transferred to ICC in The Hague**
THE HAGUE, Netherlands—Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested and transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity. The arrest, which took place Tuesday in Manila following Duterte’s return from Hong Kong, comes in response to an ICC warrant issued by Pre-Trial Chamber I for charges of murder as a crime against humanity.
The ICC confirmed the arrest Wednesday, stating that Duterte, 79, was apprehended by Philippine authorities in accordance with the warrant. He is currently being held in a detention unit on the Dutch coast and will appear before an ICC judge in the coming days for an initial appearance.
The warrant alleges that Duterte, during his time as mayor of Davao City and later as president, created, funded, and armed death squads responsible for the murders of alleged drug users and dealers. Police reported 6,200 deaths during anti-drug operations under his presidency, while human rights groups estimate the toll to be as high as 30,000. The ICC found “reasonable grounds to believe that Mr. Duterte is individually responsible for the crime against humanity of murder” as an indirect co-perpetrator.
Duterte’s arrival in The Hague has sparked protests both for and against him. Supporters of the ICC’s actions celebrated the arrest, calling for justice and accountability for the alleged killings. Conversely, pro-Duterte demonstrators also gathered outside the court. If convicted, Duterte would be the first former Asian head of state to be tried in The Hague.
First Piper 