Duterte Faces ICC Charges, Acknowledges Drug War Role

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested and is now in custody at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague facing charges of crimes against humanity linked to his controversial 'war on drugs', which allegedly resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings. In a video message, Duterte expressed that he takes full responsibility for the actions taken during his presidency, asserting his commitment to law enforcement and vowing to continue serving his country despite the legal challenges ahead. Amnesty International hailed his arrest as a significant step for justice, emphasizing the importance of accountability for high-ranking officials. As the first Asian head of state to face trial at the ICC, Duterte's case is poised to have considerable implications for both Philippine politics and international law. Human rights groups estimate that the death toll from the drug campaign could be much higher than the official figures of 6,200, raising concerns about the extent of the violence. The ICC's jurisdiction remains in effect despite the Philippines' withdrawal from the court in 2019, maintaining a path for accountability in this high-profile case.