Manila, Philippines – In a historic and dramatic turn of events, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been extradited to the Netherlands to face charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his controversial and deadly “war on drugs.”
Duterte, 79, was arrested on Tuesday at Manila’s main airport before being swiftly placed on a chartered flight to The Hague. The plane made a stopover in Dubai, where Duterte underwent medical checks, before proceeding to Rotterdam. Upon landing, the ICC confirmed that Duterte was in its custody and would soon appear before the court.
“A hearing will be scheduled in due course for Mr. Duterte’s initial appearance before the Court,” the ICC announced.
Political Rivalry Behind Arrest
Duterte’s arrest and extradition mark a significant shift in Philippine politics, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. playing a pivotal role in handing over his predecessor.
Minutes after Duterte departed Philippine airspace, Marcos addressed the nation, declaring that the country was fulfilling its international obligations.
“This is what the international community expects of us,” Marcos stated.
The arrest underscores a growing rift between two of the country’s most powerful political dynasties. Once allies in the 2022 national elections, the Duterte and Marcos families have since fallen out, with their political ambitions diverging. Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, had aligned with Marcos during the elections but has since clashed with his administration. Following her father’s extradition, she denounced the move as “kidnapping” and left for the Netherlands on Wednesday, her office confirmed.
A Deadly Drug War Under Scrutiny
The ICC has been investigating Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which began when he served as mayor of Davao City and intensified after he assumed the presidency in 2016. Thousands of suspected drug users and dealers were killed in operations that human rights groups describe as extrajudicial executions.
While official police reports place the death toll at around 6,200, activists and independent organizations estimate that the real number could be as high as 30,000. Victims’ families have long demanded accountability, and Duterte’s extradition is seen as a major step toward justice.
Human Rights Watch called Duterte’s arrest “a critical step for accountability in the Philippines.” Llore Pasco, whose two sons were killed in the drug war, expressed cautious optimism. “This is only the start of our fight. Justice has not yet been fully achieved, but we will not stop fighting,” she said.
Legal and Political Controversy
Duterte has consistently rejected the ICC’s authority, arguing that his government withdrew from the court in 2019, three years after the tribunal began investigating his drug war. However, under the Rome Statute, the ICC retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while a country was still a member.
In his initial reaction, Duterte questioned the basis for his extradition. “Why will you bring me to an international body when we are no longer a member?” he reportedly asked while in custody.
His allies and supporters decried the move as a violation of Philippine sovereignty. His daughter, Veronica Duterte, posted on social media: “They took dad from us, put him on a plane, and wouldn’t say where to. People, wake up.”
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a close Duterte ally, also criticized the move, stating, “Long gone are the days when foreigners dictated how we run our internal affairs.”
Divided Public Opinion
Duterte remains one of the Philippines’ most popular leaders since the restoration of democracy in 1986, with strong support from many Filipinos who credit him for improving infrastructure and maintaining order. His backers have threatened mass protests, with some already calling for rallies through social media platforms.
Conversely, many Filipinos have welcomed his arrest, with victims’ families and human rights groups celebrating what they view as a long-overdue step toward justice.
Leila de Lima, a former justice minister jailed under Duterte after investigating his drug war, praised the resilience of the victims’ families. “Your voices mattered, your courage mattered,” she said.
As Duterte prepares for his initial ICC hearing, the Philippines remains deeply divided, with the international community watching closely. The unfolding trial is set to be one of the most significant human rights cases in recent history, with potential far-reaching consequences for both Philippine politics and international justice.
