Philippines ex-leader Duterte arrested on ICC warrant over drug killings

Philippine police have arrested former President Rodrigo Duterte after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity over his deadly war on drugs.

The 79-year-old was taken into custody at Manila airport after returning from Hong Kong. He has never apologised for the crackdown, which saw thousands killed during his presidency (2016–2022) and earlier as mayor of Davao. Upon arrest, he questioned the charges, asking, “What crime have I committed?”

His former spokesperson, Salvador Panelo, called the arrest “unlawful,” arguing the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019. However, the ICC maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed before the exit.

Human rights activists hailed the arrest as a “historic moment,” with ICHRP chairman Peter Murphy saying it marks the start of accountability for Duterte’s brutal rule.

Duterte had been in Hong Kong campaigning for the 12 May mid-term elections, where he planned to run for Davao mayor again.

via Reuters

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