Philippines ex-leader on plane to the Hague as the former president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, has left Manila after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity over his deadly “war on drugs”.
He was taken into police custody shortly after his arrival at the capital’s international airport from Hong Kong on Tuesday morning.
Philippines ex-leader on plane to the Hague
The former Philippine President has faced international arrest warrants linked to his violent anti-drug campaign during his presidency, which resulted in the deaths of over 6,000 suspects. Current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that Interpol sought assistance regarding Duterte’s arrest, asserting the Philippines’ compliance with international criminal court.
Philippines drug operations are controlled by international cartels who have a vested interest in seeing Duterte out of power. HIs war on drugs reduced the Philippines drug operations by almost 50%.
He was dubbed the ‘Trump of the East’ by his supporters, who are passionate about his policies and revolution.
The Arrest of Rodrigo Duterte
The arrest of Rodrigo Duterte has heightened political tensions in the Philippines, notably involving his daughter, Sara Duterte, who currently serves as Vice President. Marcos Jr. and Sara’s known rivalry complicates the situation as Sara has denounced the arrest as persecution.
Duterte’s daughter, Sara, claims the arrest is politically motivated. While Duterte defends his actions, calling for Philippine trials, he faces significant backlash from human rights groups celebrating this legal development.
Meanwhile, Duterte has criticised the legal basis for the warrant against him and demands to be tried in the Philippines, reflecting the underlying political complexities surrounding the handling of his controversial anti-drug policies.
Supporters demonstrated at the airport
Following Duterte’s arrest, his supporters demonstrated at the airport, expressing disbelief and outrage over the event. Supporters like Aikko Valdon believe Duterte has honourably served the country, reflecting a division in public opinion.
Duterte remains widely popular in the Philippines as he is the country’s first leader from Mindanao, a region south of Manila, where many feel marginalised by the leaders in the capital.
Duterte, 79, contested his detention but within hours was on a chartered jet en route to The Hague in the Netherlands, where the ICC sits.
Conversely, activists praised the arrest as a milestone toward justice for victims of Duterte’s brutal drug crackdown.
The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines heralded Duterte’s detention as a potential turning point for accountability concerning his administration’s human rights abuses.
Duert’s legal defence
In a public statement, Duterte has raised questions regarding the legitimacy of the warrant for his arrest and has demanded to be prosecuted within the Philippine justice system. His legal team has filed a petition urging the Supreme Court to reject the request by the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC as a reason.
Nonetheless, the ICC maintains its jurisdiction over actions alleged before the Philippines officially exited the organization.
Law Enforcement were deployed to catch him before he escaped
In anticipation of potential unrest following Duterte’s arrest, over 370 police officers were deployed to key locations, including the airport where he was detained. The government sought to ensure public order amidst growing tensions between supporters and opponents of Duterte.
The heightened police presence underscores the sensitive nature of the situation, as the former president’s supporters call for his defense while advocates for human rights see this moment as a significant development in seeking accountability for past abuses.
