Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested and is en route to The Hague to address ICC charges related to his administration’s deadly drug war. His arrest has been welcomed by human rights groups while criticized by his supporters. The ICC inquiry began in 2021 and revealed substantial implications with varying death toll estimates. Legal proceedings may last years as Duterte contests the charges amidst a complex jurisdictional backdrop following the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is traveling to The Hague to address charges of crimes against humanity linked to the controversial war on drugs that occurred during his presidency. Duterte, who was arrested under a warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC), was transported from Manila to the Netherlands following a layover in Dubai. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that Duterte was apprehended upon returning from a trip to Hong Kong and will be housed in the ICC’s detention unit upon arrival.
Human rights organizations and the families affected by Duterte’s policies have hailed his arrest as a significant advancement for justice. Amnesty International’s Jerrie Abella stated, “This is a monumental and long-overdue step for justice for thousands of victims and their families.” Additionally, family members of victims, such as Emily Soriano, expressed their hope for further accountability for other officials, noting the disparity in processes. In contrast, Duterte’s supporters decried the arrest as unlawful and called for his return to the Philippines.
The ICC’s investigation into Duterte’s actions began in 2021, scrutinizing the mass killings perpetrated during his administration. Estimates of the death toll during this period vary significantly, with official police counts exceeding 6,000, while human rights advocates assert numbers as high as 30,000. The ICC found substantial presumption of Duterte’s individual accountability for these acts, equating them to a crime against humanity.
After being detained, Duterte will soon attend an initial hearing where his identity will be verified, charges will be explained to him, and hearing dates will be set. Duterte might contest the court’s jurisdiction and the admissibility of the case against him since the Philippines has withdrawn from the ICC. However, due to the timing of the events in question, the inquiry falls under ICC jurisdiction.
The legal proceedings could extend over months or even years, and while Duterte may apply for provisional release from detention, it will ultimately depend on judicial approval. Duterte’s legal representative, Salvador Panelo, indicated that there might be efforts to challenge the arrest based on probable cause. Meanwhile, President Marcos has defended the legality of the arrest, while Vice President Sara Duterte criticized the decision by the Marcos administration to surrender her father to the ICC, questioning the court’s jurisdiction given the Philippines’ non-member status.
The recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight for justice relating to the alleged human rights violations under his regime. As he faces significant charges in the International Criminal Court concerning the war on drugs, both supporters and opponents are voicing their perspectives. The upcoming judicial proceedings will determine both the admissibility of charges and the potential for broader accountability among Philippine officials. This case represents an essential test of international judicial processes in addressing governmental malfeasance.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
