Former Philippine president arrested under ICC warrant

MANILA — Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, at Manila’s international airport, according to a government statement. The 79-year-old leader was taken into custody upon his arrival from Hong Kong under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. The arrest is tied to an ongoing investigation into alleged crimes against humanity during his controversial anti-drug campaign, which saw thousands of deaths.

The office of current president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed the arrest, stating that the ICC has been probing the mass killings linked to Duterte’s war on drugs. Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022, has long faced international scrutiny for his administration’s brutal crackdown, though he has repeatedly denied wrongdoing. His arrest marks a significant moment in the ICC’s pursuit of accountability for alleged atrocities committed during his tenure.