Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was detained at the Manila airport following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his controversial “war on drugs.” According to a statement from President Ferdinand Marcos’ office, Duterte, who was returning from Hong Kong, is now in custody after the Interpol Manila received the warrant.

The ICC has charged Duterte with “crimes against humanity of murder,” stemming from the thousands of deaths during his tenure as president from 2016 to 2022. Although Duterte had pulled the Philippines from the ICC amidst allegations of extrajudicial killings, a formal inquiry resumed in July 2023 after a panel ruled in favor of the ICC’s jurisdiction.

While Duterte’s successor, President Marcos Jr., chose not to rejoin the ICC, his government declared its willingness to cooperate if a “Red Notice” for Duterte’s capture is issued. Duterte’s legal adviser, Salvador Panelo, has contested the legality of the arrest.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/duterte-arrested-at-manila-airport-on-icc-warrant/a-71883571?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf