Wazzup Pilipinas!?
In a historic turn of events, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport upon his return from Hong Kong. This arrest was executed under a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), charging Duterte with crimes against humanity linked to the thousands of extrajudicial killings during his notorious "war on drugs."
The operation was tumultuous; Duterte resisted arrest, refused fingerprinting, and threatened legal action against the officers involved. The standoff extended over 12 hours before he was escorted under heavy guard to The Hague, Netherlands, where the ICC is headquartered.
Duterte's anti-drug campaign, initiated in 2016, has been marred by allegations of widespread human rights abuses, with estimates suggesting up to 30,000 civilian deaths. Human rights advocates and families of victims have long sought accountability, expressing optimism that this arrest signifies a pivotal step toward justice.
Public sentiment in the Philippines reflects a growing demand for accountability. A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted from February 15 to 19, 2025, revealed that 51% of Filipinos believe Duterte should be held responsible for the extrajudicial killings associated with his drug war, while 25% disagreed, and 14% were undecided.
This survey also highlighted regional variations: 62% of respondents in the Visayas and 47% in Mindanao, Duterte's political stronghold, support holding him accountable.
Furthermore, a December 2023 SWS survey indicated that 56% of Filipinos favored allowing the ICC to investigate drug war-related killings, reflecting an increase from 48% in March 2023.
The arrest has elicited mixed reactions domestically. Supporters, including political allies and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, have criticized the ICC's actions, questioning its jurisdiction, especially since the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019. However, the ICC maintains it retains authority to prosecute alleged crimes committed prior to the withdrawal.
This development is also seen as a significant moment for the ICC, which has faced challenges over the years. Duterte's arrest could bolster the court's credibility in addressing international crimes, particularly those involving state leaders accused of severe human rights violations.
The journey to this point has been arduous, with numerous Filipinos, including human rights activists, legal professionals, and victims' families, tirelessly advocating for justice. Figures such as Catholic priest Flaviano Villanueva, forensic pathologist Raquel Fortun, and Senator Leila de Lima have played pivotal roles in bringing international attention to the alleged atrocities.
As Duterte awaits trial at The Hague, the nation stands at a crossroads, grappling with its commitment to human rights and the rule of law. The proceedings will undoubtedly have profound implications for the Philippines' political landscape and its pursuit of justice for the victims of the drug war.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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