Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested today at Ninoy Aquino International Airport upon his return from Hong Kong. The arrest was carried out based on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing Duterte of crimes against humanity in connection with his administration’s controversial war on drugs.

Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022, has long been criticized for his aggressive anti-narcotics campaign, which human rights organizations claim resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings. While official government figures cite around 6,200 deaths, independent watchdogs and human rights groups estimate the toll could be as high as 30,000. Many of the victims were allegedly low-level drug offenders or innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.

In 2019, Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC’s Rome Statute in an effort to evade the court’s jurisdiction. However, the ICC continued to investigate crimes committed before the country’s withdrawal. The current administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reportedly cooperated with international authorities, leading to Duterte’s arrest.

Vice President Sara Duterte, Duterte’s daughter, condemned the arrest, calling it an act of political persecution. Duterte’s legal team has also challenged the legality of the arrest, arguing that the ICC no longer has jurisdiction over the Philippines.

Human rights advocates, including Amnesty International, have welcomed the arrest as a crucial step toward justice for the victims of Duterte’s drug war. “This is a landmark moment in the global fight against impunity. The families of victims have waited for years for justice, and today, they have renewed hope,” said an Amnesty spokesperson.

As Duterte remains in custody, the Philippines braces for possible political and legal turmoil. His supporters have vowed to stage protests, while his opponents see this as an opportunity to hold a former leader accountable for alleged state-sponsored violence.

Meanwhile, the international community watches closely as the legal proceedings unfold.