Former Philippine President Duterte Detained Upon Return to Manila
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was detained by police upon his arrival in Manila on Tuesday morning. Authorities presented him with an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) as he disembarked from his flight.
Why Was Duterte Detained?
The Philippine Presidential Communications Office (PCO) confirmed that Duterte is currently in custody. The ICC had previously notified the Philippine government in 2018 of its intention to investigate allegations of human rights violations during Duterte’s controversial “war on drugs” campaign.
In September 2021, the ICC officially commenced its investigation into these allegations. The warrant aims to ensure Duterte’s appearance before the court to address charges related to his anti-drug operations, which have drawn significant domestic and international attention.
Reactions and Controversy
Duterte, who turns 80 this month, had recently expressed readiness for a possible arrest but questioned the basis for any charges. “What is my sin? I did everything in my time for peace and a peaceful life for the Filipino people,” he stated at a rally.
His detention has sparked varied reactions across the Philippines. Former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo challenged the legality of the arrest, stating, “It is an illegal arrest because the ICC arrest warrant comes from a spurious source—the ICC—which has no jurisdiction over the Philippines.”
Vice President Sara Duterte, his daughter, condemned the arrest, saying, “This is a blatant affront to our sovereignty and an insult to every Filipino who believes in our nation’s independence.”
Implications for the Philippines
The detention adds uncertainty to the Philippine political landscape, especially with midterm elections approaching in May. Duterte had registered to run for mayor of Davao City, a position he held prior to his presidency, and maintains considerable support among the public.
Senator Imee Marcos, sister of current President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, warned that the arrest could spark further chaos in the country. The relationship between President Marcos and the Duterte family has been strained, potentially complicating the political response to the situation.
As the nation watches closely, the next steps remain unclear. The Department of Foreign Affairs has deferred actions related to Duterte’s arrest to law enforcement agencies, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his fate.
