Rodrigo Duterte, former president of the Philippines, has been arrested under an ICC warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity related to his war on drugs. Despite his dismissal of the charges, his arrest has been viewed positively by activists as a step towards accountability. The political implications of his arrest and its impact on current governance remain to be seen.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested following a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) accusing him of crimes against humanity due to his aggressive anti-drug campaign. The 79-year-old was apprehended upon his return to Manila from Hong Kong shortly after arriving at the airport. Duterte has steadfastly maintained his innocence, questioning the legitimacy of the warrant and stating, “What crime [have] I committed?”.
The arrest has been met with criticism from his allies, including former spokesperson Salvador Panelo, who labeled it “unlawful”, asserting that the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC in 2019 nullifies its jurisdiction. However, the ICC has stated it retains jurisdiction over alleged offenses committed prior to this withdrawal. Activists view this moment as significant for the victims of Duterte’s drug war, with the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines declaring it a movement towards justice and accountability.
Duterte returned to the Philippines to campaign for upcoming mid-term elections, intending to run for mayor of Davao city. Following his arrest, visuals revealed him using a cane, yet authorities affirmed he is in “good health” and receiving appropriate medical care. He expressed a desire to understand the charges against him, asserting he acted for the peace and safety of the Filipino populace.
During his presidency, Duterte had a notorious reputation stemming from his 2016-2022 war on drugs, which claimed numerous lives. His administration faced allegations that the campaign primarily targeted impoverished individuals while failing to apprehend higher-profile drug traffickers. Reports indicated that over 6,000 suspects were killed, with other assessments suggesting even higher numbers, predominantly affecting young males from underprivileged communities.
Despite the controversies, Duterte remains a popular figure in the Philippines, reflecting the sentiments of marginalized regions especially in Mindanao. His governing style and direct language have drawn comparisons to former U.S. President Donald Trump. His relationship with current President Ferdinand Marcos has evolved, particularly concerning cooperation with the ICC investigation into his administration’s actions, raising questions about possible extradition to stand trial.
The recent arrest of Rodrigo Duterte marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing scrutiny of his administration’s conduct during the war on drugs, reigniting discussions on human rights and accountability in the Philippines. As international law continues to navigate jurisdictional complexities, the roles of domestic political alliances, public sentiment, and global human rights advocacy remain intertwined in shaping the outcome of this historic circumstance.
Original Source: risingnepaldaily.com
