DAVAO CITY – Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, upon his arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, following the issuance of an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for crimes against humanity related to his administration’s controversial war on drugs.
Members of the International Police (Interpol) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), led by Major General Nicolas Torre, director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), carried out the arrest.
Duterte’s partner, Honeylet Avanceña, questioned the arrest. However, in a video posted on Instagram by Kitty Duterte, his daughter, the former President was heard saying:
“Sagdi na, sagdi na, naay warrant, ipalayo ang mga bata.” (Let it be, let it be, keep the children away.)
ICC Case and Duterte’s Drug War Legacy
The ICC’s investigation into Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, initiated in 2018, focused on allegations of widespread extrajudicial killings. Estimates suggest that between 6,000 to 30,000 individuals were killed during operations targeting suspected drug offenders.
Despite Duterte’s 2019 decision to withdraw the Philippines from the ICC, the court maintained jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a member.
Duterte was detained upon returning from Hong Kong, where he had attended a political rally. The arrest was executed by Philippine authorities in coordination with Interpol, underscoring the nation’s commitment to international law and accountability.
Outrage in Davao City
People in Davao City struggled to believe what was happening in Manila. But after watching live reports confirming that Duterte was brought to Villamor Air Base, thousands began to gather in protest.
During Tuesday’s regular session of the Davao City Council, council members adjourned their discussions and joined the growing crowd at Rizal Park. A candle-lighting ceremony was held as Davaoeños vowed to protect Duterte and demand justice.
Tears flowed in the park as tensions escalated in Manila.
“Dili ko makadawat nga ilang posasan si Mayor, wala na syay sala.” (I cannot accept that they handcuffed the Mayor, he is innocent.) said Alona, 53, a street sweeper, as she wept uncontrollably.
Vice President Sara Duterte, Duterte’s daughter, condemned the arrest, calling it politically motivated and accusing the Marcos administration of violating national sovereignty.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., however, stood by the legality of the arrest, stating that it was conducted under due process and reflected the government’s adherence to the rule of law.
Meanwhile, human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, hailed the arrest as a historic step toward justice. They emphasized that this development highlights the effectiveness of international legal mechanisms in holding leaders accountable for human rights violations.
A Nation Divided
Duterte’s arrest marks a pivotal moment in Philippine history, potentially reshaping the country’s political landscape and approach to human rights and law enforcement.
Until his last days in Malacañang, Duterte maintained a high approval rating, making him the first President whose public approval remained strong despite controversies.
Victims of the drug war vowed to fight for justice while Duterte’s supporters insisted that their leader acted in the name of peace, order, and national security.
As Duterte awaits trial at The Hague, the Philippines and the international community will closely monitor the proceedings, which are expected to have profound implications for justice, governance, and national sovereignty.
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
