Duterte arrested amid ICC warrant controversy, claims abduction

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila's international airport and extradited to The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity related to his controversial war on drugs. His former chief legal counsel, Salvador Panelo, claims the arrest violated both Philippine law and ICC procedures, labeling it as an illegal detention and 'kidnapping.' Duterte's lawyer has similarly argued that he was 'abducted' and is too ill to participate in the proceedings, although ICC doctors deemed him fit for trial. The case has significant implications for the political landscape in the Philippines, particularly regarding Duterte's daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who may face similar legal challenges. The allegations stem from a campaign that resulted in thousands of deaths, with human rights organizations asserting that the true death toll may be as high as 30,000. As the legal proceedings unfold, both domestic and international attention remains focused on the impact of Duterte's actions and the potential outcomes of the trial.