Manila: Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested by the police following orders from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Duterte, known for his brutal war on drugs during his tenure, was detained at Manila Airport upon his return from Hong Kong. Between 2016 and 2022, thousands of people lost their lives in the anti-drug campaign. The 79-year-old former president stated that he was even prepared to go to jail over the drug war.

The International Human Rights Coalition in the Philippines called Duterte’s arrest historic, holding him responsible for numerous extrajudicial killings during his administration. However, former government spokesperson Salvador Panelo argued that since the Philippines withdrew from the ICC, his arrest could be deemed illegal. Before becoming president, Duterte was a mayor who waged a fierce battle against drug-related crimes, later implementing shoot-to-kill orders against suspected drug offenders nationwide. Human rights groups estimate that around 6,000 people died in the drug war, though the actual number may be much higher.

Duterte once compared his anti-drug campaign to Hitler’s actions, stating he wanted to eliminate 3 million drug addicts in the Philippines. The ICC initially filed a case against him in 2016 and launched an investigation in 2021. His daughter, Sara Duterte, is currently the Vice President of the Philippines and is seen as a strong contender for the 2028 presidential elections.