Former Philippine Leader Duterte Arrested on ICC Warrant Over Drug War

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was apprehended in Manila as per an International Criminal Court warrant for alleged crimes against humanity tied to his aggressive war on drugs. The arrest arrives amid Duterte's recent public condemnation of the ICC's investigation into his administration's controversial policies.

In a dramatic turn of events, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in Manila on Tuesday on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his notorious war on drugs. The Philippine Communications Office confirmed the arrest after Interpol Manila received the warrant from the ICC, according to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Reports indicate that Duterte landed in the Philippines via Cathay Pacific flight CX 907 from Hong Kong. Upon arrival, he was presented with the official ICC notification, confirming the charges against him. Just days earlier, Duterte had stirred controversy with a speech to the Filipino diaspora in Manila, fiercely criticizing the ICC's ongoing probe, CNN reported.

The 79-year-old former leader faces grave charges, with the ICC alleging involvement in the murder of tens of thousands. The victims, allegedly targeted by police and vigilante groups, were said to have been denied due legal process in Duterte's campaign against drug-related crime during his presidency from 2016 to 2022. The crackdown has been heavily criticized for its violent tactics and disregard for human rights.

The situation took a legal twist when Duterte, in a video shared by his daughter on social media, questioned his arrest's legality. "What is the law and what is the crime that I committed," he queried, challenging the authority enforcing the warrant.

To ensure transparency, the arrest operation was conducted by Philippine National Police officers equipped with body cameras. Although the Philippine government, as stated in previous reports, has shown reluctance to cooperate with the ICC investigation, it acknowledges its obligations to the Interpol, as reported by the PNA. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)