The International Criminal Court (ICC) took custody of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday. He faces charges of crimes against humanity for his deadly anti-drug crackdown while in office.

Rights Groups Applaud Arrest

Human rights activists and victims’ families welcomed Duterte’s arrest. ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan called it “a crucial step in our continuous work to ensure accountability for the victims of the most serious crimes under ICC jurisdiction.” However, Duterte’s supporters condemned the move. They blamed current President Ferdinand Marcos for surrendering him to a court whose authority they dispute.

Duterte Arrives in the Netherlands

Authorities arrested the 79-year-old former leader in Manila on Tuesday following an ICC request. He then flew to the Netherlands, where he was placed in custody. The ICC confirmed that medical assistance was available as a precaution, though it did not comment on Duterte’s health. Upon his arrival, an ambulance entered the hangar where his plane was parked. Medics wheeled a gurney inside, and later, a black SUV escorted by police left the airport. Its destination was unclear. Outside the ICC detention center, crowds gathered in anticipation. The Philippine Embassy in The Hague provided Duterte with consular assistance, including winter clothing and care packages, according to a Thursday statement from the Philippine Foreign Ministry.

Legal Process Begins

Duterte will soon face an initial court appearance. The ICC will confirm his identity, ensure he understands the charges, and set a date to determine if there is enough evidence for a full trial. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment.

Victims’ Families Express Hope

“This is a monumental and long-overdue step for justice for thousands of victims and their families,” said Jerrie Abella of Amnesty International. Emily Soriano, whose child was killed in the crackdown, demanded accountability for more officials. “Duterte is lucky he has due process, but our children who were killed did not have due process,” she said. As Duterte’s plane traveled to The Hague, grieving families in the Philippines gathered to remember their loved ones. “We are happy and we feel relieved,” said Melinda Abion Lafuente, whose son was allegedly tortured and killed in 2016.

Duterte’s Supporters Protest Arrest

Duterte’s allies denounced his arrest as illegal and called for his return. Outside the ICC, small groups of supporters and opponents held demonstrations.

ICC Investigation Into Duterte’s Drug War

The ICC began investigating Duterte in 2021 over mass killings tied to his war on drugs. The probe covers his tenure as mayor of Davao and later as president. Official estimates put the death toll at over 6,000, but human rights groups claim it could be as high as 30,000. ICC judges reviewing the prosecution’s evidence found “reasonable grounds to believe that Mr. Duterte is individually responsible for the crime against humanity of murder” for allegedly overseeing these killings. The ICC thanked Philippine authorities for cooperating and upholding international accountability mechanisms but did not set a hearing date.

What Comes Next?

Duterte may challenge the court’s jurisdiction. Although the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019, the alleged crimes occurred while the country was still a member. The legal process could take months or even years. Duterte can request provisional release from detention, but judges will decide whether to grant it. On his official Facebook page, Duterte posted a video recorded on the plane. “To my countrymen, just to give you the current situation,” he said in a mix of English and Tagalog. “This will be a long legal proceeding. I say to you, I will continue to serve you.”

Duterte’s Defense Team Responds

Duterte’s lawyer, Salvador Panelo, argued that the Philippine Supreme Court could intervene. “The Supreme Court can compel the government to bring back the person arrested and detained without probable cause,” he told reporters in Manila. President Marcos defended Duterte’s arrest, calling it “proper and correct” and denying any political motivation. However, Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, criticized the Marcos administration for surrendering her father to a foreign court. She flew to The Hague on Wednesday to meet with her father and consult his legal team.

Philippines No Longer Under ICC Jurisdiction?

Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, a move widely seen as an attempt to escape prosecution. His administration later argued that since Philippine authorities were already investigating the allegations, the ICC had no jurisdiction. However, in 2023, ICC appeals judges rejected this argument and allowed the probe to continue. The court also ruled that Duterte’s arrest was necessary due to the risk of interference with the investigation and threats to witnesses and victims.