Lawyers for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte have filed a petition to the Supreme Court demanding his return to Manila, as victims of his violent “war on drugs” express jubilation. Duterte was taken to The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity, making him the first former Asian leader to be served an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Activists estimate that up to 30,000 people were killed during this campaign. Duterte’s legal team petitioned on behalf of his youngest daughter, Veronica, accusing the government of kidnapping and demanding his return. His eldest daughter, Sara, the country’s vice-president, has also traveled to Amsterdam to assist with his legal preparations. This historic moment brings hope for justice to victims who have lost faith in the domestic justice system. While Duterte’s arrest has been celebrated by human rights groups, his supporters argue that the ICC no longer has jurisdiction since the Philippines withdrew from the Rome statute in 2019. However, the ICC maintains that it can still adjudicate crimes committed before the withdrawal. As Duterte’s plane is expected to land in the Netherlands at 10:59 local time, the Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos confirmed the arrest was in compliance with Interpol and was not assisted by the government in any manner.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/12/rodrigo-duterte-philippines-former-president-arrest-update