Wed Mar 12 13:51:31 UTC 2025: ## Former Philippine President Duterte Arrested and Transferred to ICC in The Hague

**The Hague, Netherlands –** Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in Manila and flown to The Hague on March 12, 2025, to face charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The arrest, made on a warrant issued by the ICC, followed a long-running investigation into the thousands of deaths linked to Duterte’s “war on drugs” campaign.

Human rights groups and victims’ families hailed the arrest as a significant step toward justice. Amnesty International’s Jerrie Abella called it a “monumental and long-overdue step,” while Emily Soriano, mother of a victim, expressed hope that more officials would be held accountable. However, Duterte’s supporters denounced the arrest as illegal and demanded his return to the Philippines. Small protests took place outside the court before his arrival.

The ICC opened its inquiry in 2021, focusing on killings during Duterte’s time as mayor of Davao City and later as 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 judges found “reasonable grounds to believe that Mr. Duterte is individually responsible for the crime against humanity of murder.”

Upon arrival in the Netherlands, Duterte was taken to the court’s detention unit. Within days, he will appear before a judge for a hearing to confirm his identity, ensure he understands the charges, and schedule a confirmation of charges hearing. This process, which could include challenges to the court’s jurisdiction, is expected to take months, potentially years if the case proceeds to trial.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that Duterte’s arrest was “proper and correct,” while Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, criticized the Marcos administration for surrendering her father to a court she claims lacks jurisdiction. She travelled to The Hague to meet with her father and his lawyers.

Despite the Philippines withdrawing from the ICC in 2019, the court maintains jurisdiction over the alleged crimes, which occurred before the withdrawal. The ICC rejected Philippine claims that its own investigations obviated the need for ICC involvement.

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