Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has arrived in The Hague after his arrest in Manila on Wednesday. This arrest followed a warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing him of crimes against humanity related to his violent war on drugs during his time in office.
Upon landing in The Hague, Duterte will be taken to a Dutch prison in Scheveningen. This prison is about two kilometers from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The facility has held high-profile detainees in the past, including Serbian leader Slobodan Milošević and former Liberian president Charles Taylor. Duterte’s journey was delayed when his flight was grounded in Dubai for several hours before continuing to Rotterdam-The Hague Airport.
Duterte’s Arrest and Its Impact
Duterte, who has been a controversial figure, was arrested at Manila’s airport after returning from Hong Kong. His detention is tied to charges linked to his deadly anti-drug campaign, which began in 2016. Under Duterte, the war on drugs led to thousands of deaths. Many people claim these were extrajudicial killings, while the Duterte administration insists that the killings were part of a legitimate anti-crime effort.
Duterte’s supporters view his arrest as politically motivated, aiming to discredit his leadership. Meanwhile, outside the ICC, protesters expressed opposing views, demanding justice for those killed under Duterte’s regime. One protester, Alodiq Santos, acknowledged the emotional toll this case has on Filipinos, but he emphasized the importance of standing by justice.
“We are all Filipino, and this affects us deeply. But we must stand by the principles we believe in,” Santos said.
The ICC Investigation: Deaths and Evidence
The ICC began investigating Duterte’s war on drugs in 2021, focusing on deaths linked to both his presidency and his time as mayor of Davao City. The death toll is uncertain. Police report over 6,000 deaths, while human rights groups say the number could reach 30,000. These deaths allegedly resulted from a campaign that involved police, vigilantes, and other groups targeting suspected drug offenders.
The investigation has been controversial. In 2019, Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC, a move critics say was meant to avoid prosecution. In 2021, his government tried to block the investigation, claiming that Philippine authorities were already looking into the issue. However, in 2023, the ICC’s appeals judges dismissed these objections and decided the investigation should continue.
The ICC judges have found “reasonable grounds” to charge Duterte with overseeing mass killings. They have labeled him an “indirect co-perpetrator,” which means they believe he played a key role in organizing the killings, even if he did not carry them out directly.
Duterte Faces Pretrial Hearing
After arriving in The Hague, Duterte will face an initial pretrial hearing. During this hearing, judges will confirm his identity, ensure he understands the charges, and decide whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a full trial. The prosecution will need to prove that the evidence supports the charges for the case to move forward.
Duterte has the right to challenge the ICC’s authority. He may argue that the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC in 2019 means the case should be dismissed. However, the alleged crimes happened before the withdrawal, so the case is still valid under ICC rules.
If the case goes to trial, it could take years to reach a verdict. Duterte can also request provisional release while awaiting trial. The ICC judges will decide if he can be temporarily released.
Global Reactions: Mixed Views on Duterte’s Arrest
Duterte’s arrest has sparked mixed reactions around the world. In the Philippines, many of his supporters believe the charges are politically motivated. They argue that Duterte’s actions were necessary to tackle the country’s drug problem. On the other hand, many human rights organizations have praised the ICC’s decision, saying it sends an important message that leaders must be held accountable for mass killings.
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have long criticized Duterte’s war on drugs. They argue that the killings violated international human rights law and called for those responsible to face justice.
What Happens Next for Duterte?
Duterte’s legal battle is just beginning, and it will be closely watched around the world. The next steps will depend on whether the ICC moves forward with a full trial. For now, Duterte will face the legal process in The Hague. His case will have wide-reaching implications for international justice.
If the trial proceeds, it will mark an important moment in international law. The case could set a precedent for holding political leaders accountable for crimes against humanity. It will also highlight the role of the ICC in ensuring that justice is done, no matter how powerful the defendant is.