International Criminal Court Arrests Former President Duterte

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila's airport by order of the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity related to his drug crackdown. Duterte, who withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, faces international legal challenges as the investigation resumes.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was taken into custody at Manila's international airport on Tuesday. This arrest, reported by the Philippine government, follows an International Criminal Court (ICC) directive related to crimes against humanity allegations stemming from Duterte's war on drugs.

Police apprehended Duterte upon his return from Hong Kong, complying with the ICC's directives. This comes as part of an investigation into extrajudicial killings during his tenure as Davao City mayor starting in 2011 and continuing through his presidency until 2019.

Duterte's administration previously attempted to halt the investigation, claiming the ICC lacked jurisdiction as local authorities were scrutinizing the incidents. However, in July 2023, the ICC ruled for the investigation to proceed. Meanwhile, current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration, while not rejoining the ICC, has pledged cooperation if required to extradite Duterte.

(With inputs from agencies.)