Thu Jul 17 11:30:00 UTC 2025: **NEWS ARTICLE:**

**Filipino Priest’s Relentless Pursuit Leads to Duterte’s Arrest and Extradition for “Drug War” Crimes**

**THE HAGUE, Netherlands** – Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested and extradited to The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC), marking a significant victory in the fight for justice for the victims of his controversial “war on drugs.” This landmark development follows years of unwavering dedication by Catholic priest Father Flaviano Villanueva, who has tirelessly worked to expose alleged extrajudicial killings committed during Duterte’s brutal crackdown.

Documentary series “101 East” has been following Father Villanueva’s work as he gathered crucial evidence, exhumed victims’ bodies for forensic examination, and provided protection to a key witness claiming to be a former contract killer working under Duterte’s orders.

The priest’s persistence finally paid off in March 2025, when Duterte was apprehended and transferred to the ICC. His case is expected to be a pivotal moment in international law, sending a strong message that impunity will not be tolerated for alleged human rights abuses. “101 East” continues to document Father Villanueva’s journey, shedding light on his fight for justice for the thousands of victims whose lives were cut short during Duterte’s presidency.

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