Breaking News: Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Arrested on ICC Warrant
In a dramatic turn of events, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. The arrest was made on the basis of a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity ¹.
The ICC warrant, dated March 7, 2025, accuses Duterte of perpetuating extrajudicial killings during his tenure as President of the Philippines, particularly during the country's war on drugs. The warrant was issued by Pre-Trial Chamber I of the ICC, presided over by Judge Iulia Motoc and Judges Reine Alapini-Gansou and Socorro Flores Liera ¹.
Duterte's arrest was met with a mix of reactions from the public. Supporters of the former President gathered outside the Villamor Air Base, where Duterte was taken after his arrest, to protest the move. Meanwhile, critics of Duterte welcomed the arrest, citing the need for accountability for the alleged human rights abuses committed during his presidency ¹.
The Philippine government has stated that it will cooperate with the ICC, despite the country's withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019. The government has also assured that Duterte will receive proper medical care while in custody ¹.
Duterte's daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, has criticized the government's handling of the situation, stating that her father was "forcibly taken" and that the family was not informed about the arrest warrant ¹.
The ICC's investigation into Duterte's alleged crimes against humanity has been ongoing since 2017. The investigation was initiated after Filipino lawyer Jude Sabio submitted a complaint to the ICC, accusing Duterte and 11 other officials of mass murder and crimes against humanity ¹.
The arrest of Rodrigo Duterte marks a significant development in the ICC's efforts to hold accountable those responsible for human rights abuses. As the situation continues to unfold, the world watches with bated breath, awaiting the outcome of this landmark case.
- *March 7, 2025*: The ICC issues a warrant for Rodrigo Duterte's arrest on charges of crimes against humanity.
- *March 11, 2025*: Duterte is arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila.
- *March 11, 2025*: Duterte is taken to the Villamor Air Base, where he is currently being held.
- *Vice President Sara Duterte*: Criticized the government's handling of the situation, stating that her father was "forcibly taken" and that the family was not informed about the arrest warrant.
- *Former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo*: Called the arrest "unlawful," citing the Philippines' withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019.
- *The International Criminal Court*: Welcomed the arrest of Rodrigo Duterte, stating that it marks a significant step towards accountability for human rights abuses.
- *The United Nations*: Called for calm and restraint, urging all parties to respect the rule of law and the integrity of the ICC's investigation.
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