Duterte in ICC Custody for Drug War Killings
Last Updated on April 24, 2025 by Athi Venkatesh
Duterte Faces ICC Trial for Crimes Against Humanity
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has taken former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte into custody in The Hague. He faces charges of murder as a crime against humanity due to his brutal anti-drug campaign during his presidency from 2016 to 2022.
Authorities arrested Duterte, 79, at Manila airport on Tuesday. He was swiftly flown to the Netherlands on a chartered Gulfstream G550 jet, with a stop in Dubai for medical checks. The ICC confirmed his arrival in Rotterdam and his custody.
Duterte is accused of orchestrating thousands of killings without trial. These took place during his national “war on drugs” and earlier, while he was mayor of Davao City. ICC prosecutors claim Duterte oversaw a “death squad” targeting drug suspects. He later scaled that approach nationwide after becoming president.
Duterte argued the ICC had no authority, as the Philippines withdrew from the court in 2019. However, the ICC maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed before the withdrawal.
This arrest makes Duterte the first Asian ex-leader to face trial at the ICC.
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., once Duterte’s ally, approved the extradition. He announced the decision on national TV, citing international legal obligations. The alliance between the Marcos and Duterte families, which won the 2022 elections, has since collapsed.
Vice-President Sara Duterte, Duterte’s daughter, called the arrest “kidnapping” and left for the Netherlands on Wednesday. Her office claims the arrest breached national sovereignty.
Outside the Hague Penitentiary Institution, Duterte supporters rallied, waving flags and chanting slogans. Some imitated Duterte’s signature fist-pump. A banner read, “We stand with Duterte.”
Human Rights Watch called the arrest “a critical step for accountability.” Online, public reactions remain divided. Some hailed the ICC’s action as justice; others praised Duterte’s leadership and legacy.
The ICC will soon schedule a hearing for Duterte’s initial appearance.
