Rodrigo Duterte Arrested in Manila for Crimes Against Humanity

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in Manila on March 11, following a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity linked to his controversial war on drugs. Human rights groups welcomed the arrest, viewing it as a crucial step towards justice for victims of extrajudicial killings, with calls for the Marcos administration to cooperate with the ICC. Duterte questioned the legal basis for his arrest, expressing confusion about the charges against him while in custody. The ICC has been investigating Duterte since 2018, citing evidence of thousands of unlawful killings during his presidency. Despite Duterte's withdrawal of the Philippines from the Rome Statute, the current government under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has decided to cooperate with international justice efforts. Activists emphasize the need for accountability and justice for those affected by Duterte's policies.