Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested Tuesday in Manila under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant related to his controversial war on drugs, which has left tens of thousands dead. The 79-year-old Duterte is charged with “crimes against humanity of murder,” linked to his deadly crackdown on drug-related crimes during his presidency. Human rights organizations have condemned the violence, with many alleging that the majority of victims were poor individuals, often without proof of their involvement in drug activities.

The arrest came after Interpol Manila received an official copy of the ICC’s warrant early in the morning. The Philippine presidential palace confirmed that Duterte was taken into custody and stated that both he and his group were in good health, undergoing medical checks by government doctors.

Duterte’s legal team, led by former chief legal counsel Salvador Panelo, quickly denounced the arrest, calling it “unlawful.” Panelo claimed that police had prevented one of Duterte’s lawyers from meeting him at the airport and questioned the legal basis for the arrest. He also pointed out that the police had not provided a hard copy of the ICC warrant.

However, groups that had supported the victims of Duterte’s drug war, particularly the mothers of those killed, celebrated the arrest. Rubilyn Litao, coordinator of Rise Up for Life and Rights, a group advocating for the families of victims, called it a “very welcome development.” Litao emphasized that the mothers had long awaited justice for the loved ones lost during the drug crackdown and were pleased to see the former president held accountable.

Human Rights Watch also praised the arrest, urging President Ferdinand Marcos’ administration to swiftly hand over Duterte to the ICC. The organization called the move a “critical step for accountability” in the Philippines, underlining the importance of international justice in addressing the human rights violations committed during Duterte’s drug war.

Duterte’s Popularity and Controversial Legacy

Duterte’s arrest occurred just after he had returned from a brief trip to Hong Kong, where he addressed thousands of overseas Filipino workers. During his speech, the former president openly criticized the ICC investigation and stated that he would “accept it” if arrest became his fate. Despite the charges and international scrutiny, Duterte remains a popular figure in the Philippines, particularly among supporters who view his aggressive stance on crime as essential to restoring order.

Duterte’s administration officially withdrew from the ICC in 2019, but the tribunal maintained that it had jurisdiction over killings that occurred before the Philippines’ pullout. This includes his actions as mayor of Davao before his presidency, as well as the thousands of deaths tied to his war on drugs.

In September 2021, the ICC began a formal investigation into the drug war. However, the investigation was temporarily suspended after the Philippine government announced that it was re-examining several hundred drug-related deaths. The investigation resumed in July 2023 after the ICC rejected the Philippines’ objections to its jurisdiction. Despite this, the Marcos administration has repeatedly expressed its unwillingness to cooperate with the ICC probe.

International Efforts and Duterte’s Political Influence

Undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Office, Claire Castro, acknowledged on Sunday that if Interpol requested assistance from the Philippine government, it would be required to comply. The arrest highlights ongoing tensions between the Philippine government and international justice efforts regarding Duterte’s brutal war on drugs.

Although Duterte faces international charges, he retains substantial political influence and support within the Philippines. Many Filipinos continue to admire his no-nonsense approach to crime and drug-related issues. Duterte is also campaigning to reclaim the position of mayor in Davao, his political stronghold, in the upcoming May mid-term elections.

Despite local efforts to address some drug-related deaths, only nine police officers have been convicted in connection with the killings, a stark contrast to the tens of thousands of deaths associated with Duterte’s drug war. Duterte has long defended his actions, referring to the drug war as a necessary measure to prevent the Philippines from becoming a “narco-politics state.”

In his remarks at a Senate probe into the drug war in October, Duterte made it clear that he felt no remorse for his actions, saying, “I did what I had to do, and whether or not you believe it or not, I did it for my country.”

Looking Ahead: The Path to Accountability

The arrest of Duterte marks a significant moment in the ongoing fight for justice in the Philippines. As international pressure mounts, the question remains whether Duterte will face the full consequences of his actions or if his political influence will allow him to avoid accountability. His case underscores the complexities of achieving justice in situations where powerful figures maintain significant domestic support despite widespread allegations of human rights violations. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether international efforts to hold Duterte accountable will succeed, and what this will mean for the future of human rights in the Philippines.

For now, Duterte’s arrest represents a critical step forward for many who have long sought justice for the victims of his war on drugs. The global community, alongside local advocates, continues to push for full accountability, with the hope that this case will set a precedent for future leaders who may seek to engage in similar policies of violence and impunity.