By Ariiho Kevin
Manila, Philippines:– Former Philippine President, Rodrigo Duterte, has been arrested at Manila International Airport under a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), DailyExpress reports.
The former leader faces charges of ordering extrajudicial killings and abusing his presidential powers during his controversial war on drugs.
Duterte, known for his hardline anti-drug policies, oversaw a campaign that allegedly involved the execution of suspects without trial. His administration was also accused of persecuting political rivals through imprisonment, torture, and assassinations.
The ICC issued a warrant for his arrest, citing mass human rights violations committed under his leadership.
Initially, current Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. had granted Duterte immunity from the ICC warrant. However, relations between the two leaders reportedly deteriorated, leading Marcos to withdraw Duterte’s immunity and comply with the arrest order.
Speaking on the matter, Marcos confirmed that he and the Duterte family had developed irreconcilable differences, prompting his decision to allow the arrest to proceed.
Duterte, a far-right political figure, maintained strong ties with communist governments such as China, Vietnam, and North Korea during his presidency. He formed military alliances with Beijing and openly supported China’s territorial claims over Taiwan, actions that drew international condemnation.
The ex-president’s foreign policy, particularly his alignment with nations criticized for human rights abuses, was heavily opposed by Western governments.
Reports indicate that Duterte was placed on a flight to The Hague immediately after his arrest, where he will face trial at the ICC. If convicted, he could face a fate similar to former Liberian President Charles Taylor, who was sentenced for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Duterte’s legal team has denounced the arrest, calling it a case of political persecution and a witch hunt. His lawyers have vowed to challenge the charges and fight for his release.
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