The former President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on the International Airport in Manila shortly after coming back from Hong Kong on Tuesday (11/03). The arrest was based on the order of the International Criminal Court (ICC) related to its controversial drug with drugs, which led to hundreds of deaths in 2016–2022.
Despite his arrest, Duterte stays a challenge, questioning the command of the order. “What crime did I commit?” he said. ICC has been studying out -of -court drugs related to drugs since 2016, along with a proper investigation in 2021.
The investigation also includes incidents from the Duterte term because the mayor of Davao in 2011–2019, before withdrawing from the Philippines from MTK.
Former Duterte spokesman, Salvador panel, condemned arrest as illegal, while international human rights organizations praised this as a key step towards justice. ICC classified Duterte as a “indirect perpetrator” of crimes against humanity, citing control over law enforcement agencies during his presidency and term as mayor Davao.
Government data state that over 6,000 people were killed in anti -blood operations. On the opposite hand, human rights groups estimate that the variety of fatalities is over 20,000, and probably the most intense period occurs in 2016–2017.
Considering this evidence, the ICC pre -trial chamber appealed to art. 7 of the Rome Statute, classifying the drug war as a “common or systematic attack on civilians.”
Also read: Filipino vp Sara Duterte is within the face of impeachment amongst political turmoil
Political competition begins
The arrest and extradition of Duterte to Hagi add one other layer of complexity of the Philippine political landscape. This event intensified political competition, especially between Duterte allies and its opponents, a few of which have long supported the ICC investigation.
Along with its extradition, questions arise on the impact on Filipino policy. Will it’s a turning point for human rights within the country, or is it only a strategic movement of political forces that want to alter the dynamics of power?
When Duterte is waiting for a trial in The Hague, the world is rigorously observing whether this development signals true justice or a politically motivated maneuver.
