On March 11, 2025, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was detained at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila upon his arrival from Hong Kong. He was immediately placed under arrest based on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and was flown to The Hague, Netherlands, where he is now held at the ICC Detention Center in Scheveningen.

Charges and ICC Proceedings

Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity, primarily related to his controversial and bloody “war on drugs.” The ICC alleges that between 2011 and 2019—during his time as Mayor of Davao City and later as President of the Philippines—Duterte orchestrated and encouraged a systematic campaign of extrajudicial killings targeting suspected drug users and dealers.

According to the ICC’s pre-trial chamber, Duterte is being held accountable not only for direct orders but also for failing to prevent or punish the widespread killings committed under his watch. Human rights groups estimate that between 12,000 to 30,000 people may have died during these operations, many of them poor and without due process.

Reactions in the Philippines and Abroad

The arrest of Duterte sent shockwaves throughout the Philippines. Supporters of the former president staged rallies in Manila and Davao City, calling the arrest politically motivated and demanding his immediate release. On the other hand, human rights advocates and families of victims expressed hope that justice would finally be served after years of impunity.

The Philippine government, under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., has stated that it will respect international law and the ICC process. While the Philippines officially withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019, the ICC maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the country was still a member.

Life at the ICC Detention Center

Inside the ICC Detention Center, Duterte is reportedly housed in a private cell with access to medical care, legal consultation, and outdoor time, as per international standards. Sources say he is being closely monitored for health concerns, particularly due to his advanced age and reported chronic illnesses.

Duterte has denied all allegations and claims that the war on drugs was a necessary campaign to protect Filipino citizens from the dangers of narcotics and organized crime. He has retained a team of international lawyers to defend him before the court, and pre-trial hearings are expected to begin later this year.

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A Turning Point for Accountability

This historic development marks the first time a former Philippine head of state has been held by an international tribunal for alleged human rights violations. For many, it is a test of global justice and the power of international institutions to hold even the highest-ranking officials accountable for abuses.

While the legal battle ahead is expected to be long and complex, Duterte’s detention at The Hague is already being viewed as a pivotal moment in the Philippines’ struggle with state-sponsored violence, impunity, and the pursuit of justice.