Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, was arrested at Manila International Airport on Tuesday morning upon his return from Hong Kong. The arrest follows an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant issued in connection with his alleged role in the extrajudicial killings of approximately 30,000 people during his brutal anti-drug campaign. The crackdown, which began in 2016, targeted drug users, dealers, and other individuals linked to the drug trade. However, many of the victims were poor civilians, raising serious concerns about human rights violations and the rule of law. In this report, Daily Review examines the key factors that contributed to the ICC’s decision to issue the warrant and the circumstances surrounding Duterte’s arrest.
1. Widespread Extrajudicial Killings
The most significant factor leading to the ICC warrant is the staggering number of extrajudicial killings that occurred under Duterte’s “War on Drugs.” Estimates suggest that up to 30,000 people were killed, many of them in police operations or by vigilante groups allegedly linked to the government. Duterte openly encouraged law enforcement and civilians to use lethal force against suspected drug offenders, creating a culture of impunity. The ICC has classified these killings as potential crimes against humanity, as they were systematic and widespread.
2. Targeting of the Poor and Vulnerable
A disproportionate number of victims were poor and marginalized individuals, including small-time drug users and low-level dealers. Critics argue that Duterte’s campaign failed to address the root causes of drug addiction, such as poverty and lack of access to rehabilitation programs, and instead targeted the most vulnerable segments of society. This blatant disregard for the lives of the poor has drawn international condemnation and strengthened the case for ICC intervention.
3. Duterte’s Public Statements and Incitement to Violence
Duterte’s public statements played a significant role in the ICC’s decision. Throughout his presidency, he openly endorsed and even glorified the killings, often using inflammatory language. For example, he famously told law enforcement to “shoot to kill” and promised immunity for those who carried out the killings. These statements were seen as direct incitement to violence and provided evidence of his complicity in the crimes.
4. Failure of Domestic Accountability Mechanisms
The Philippine justice system has failed to hold Duterte or his administration accountable for the killings. Investigations into the deaths were often superficial, and police officers involved in the operations were rarely prosecuted. In 2019, the Philippines withdrew from the ICC, a move widely seen as an attempt to shield Duterte from international scrutiny. The lack of domestic accountability left the ICC as the only viable avenue for justice for the victims and their families
5. International Pressure and Human Rights Advocacy
Human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have documented and condemned the atrocities committed during Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. Their reports, along with testimonies from survivors and victims’ families, have drawn global attention to the issue. The United Nations and other international bodies have repeatedly called for an independent investigation into the killings, adding pressure on the ICC to take action.
6. Legal Basis for ICC Jurisdiction
The ICC has jurisdiction over crimes against humanity, which include widespread and systematic attacks against civilians. The killings under Duterte’s administration meet this criterion, as they were part of a state-sanctioned campaign that targeted a specific group of people. Although the Philippines is no longer a member of the ICC, the court retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a member, which includes the early years of Duterte’s drug war.
The Arrest
On Tuesday morning, Duterte was arrested at Manila International Airport upon his return from Hong Kong. The arrest was carried out by Philippine authorities in coordination with the ICC. Duterte is now awaiting extradition to The Hague, where he will face charges for his alleged role in the extrajudicial killings. The arrest marks a significant development in the case, as it demonstrates the international community’s commitment to holding powerful figures accountable for human rights violations.
The arrest of Rodrigo Duterte at Manila Airport is the culmination of years of international pressure and advocacy for justice. The ICC warrant against him is the result of a combination of factors, including the scale of the extrajudicial killings, the targeting of the poor, Duterte’s incitement to violence, the failure of domestic accountability mechanisms, international pressure, and the legal basis for ICC jurisdiction. The arrest represents a significant step toward justice for the thousands of victims and their families, as well as a warning to other leaders who may consider similar actions. However, the case also highlights the challenges of holding powerful figures accountable in the face of political resistance and impunity.