Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila airport on Tuesday following a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
He was returning from Hong Kong when authorities took him into custody based on the ICC’s request, which was relayed through Interpol.
Duterte faces accusations related to his controversial anti-drug campaign, which led to thousands of deaths during his presidency from 2016 to 2022.
The ICC has been investigating whether crimes against humanity were committed during this period.
Human rights organizations claimed that many of those killed were denied legal rights, with children among the victims.
While official police records report over 7,000 deaths, advocacy groups argue the real figure is closer to 30,000.
The former president questioned the legality of his arrest, insisting that he had only acted in the best interest of the Filipino people.
Before his return to Manila, he spoke in Hong Kong, defending his leadership and policies.
Duterte’s war on drugs was marked by aggressive policing, with officers encouraged to use lethal force.
The ICC began examining complaints against him in 2018.
His administration responded by pulling the Philippines out of the ICC treaty, arguing that the court had no jurisdiction over the country.
Despite this, the investigation continued, leading to the recent arrest.
Families of victims and human rights advocates see Duterte’s arrest as a major step toward justice.
Human Rights Watch described it as progress for accountability, urging the Philippine government to cooperate with the ICC.
Duterte’s presidency was also linked to earlier allegations from his time as mayor of Davao City, where extrajudicial killings were reported.
His strong stance against drug-related crimes extended to local officials, judges, and even minors caught in violent crackdowns.