The International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has issued a statement welcoming the arrest and transfer of former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to The Hague, where he will face charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his administration’s controversial war on drugs.
According to the statement, Duterte was arrested by Philippine authorities on March 11, 2025, in compliance with a warrant issued by the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I on March 7, 2025. The chamber found reasonable grounds to believe that Duterte is criminally responsible for the crime against humanity of murder under Article 7(1)(a) of the Rome Statute. These alleged crimes were committed between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019, spanning his tenure as Mayor of Davao City and later as President of the Philippines.
The ICC alleges that Duterte played a central role in the operations of the Davao Death Squad, an extrajudicial execution group linked to numerous killings, and later extended similar policies nationwide through his administration’s anti-drug campaign. The court emphasized that these acts were part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population, placing them under its jurisdiction.
Karim Khan described Duterte’s arrest as a significant milestone in the ICC’s efforts to ensure justice for the victims of state-sponsored violence in the Philippines. He expressed gratitude to the victims, survivors, and human rights activists who provided crucial testimonies and evidence, as well as the coordinated efforts of the ICC’s Philippines Unified Team, the Tracking and Information Fusion Section, and other key entities involved in securing the former leader’s detention.
“This is a crucial step in our continuous work to ensure accountability for the victims of the most serious crimes under ICC jurisdiction,” Khan stated. “The Office of the Prosecutor is now commencing preparations towards the initial appearance and subsequent judicial proceedings before the Court.”
Duterte arrived at the Hague Penitentiary Institution, commonly known as the Scheveningen Prison, around 2 a.m. Philippine time. He will remain in custody while awaiting trial.
The ICC further noted that its investigation into the situation in the Philippines remains ongoing, signaling potential legal action against other officials who played roles in the drug war. The Prosecutor’s Office has also called for further cooperation from those with relevant information, encouraging them to step forward through the ICC’s Witness Appeal portal.
The Philippine government has yet to issue an official statement regarding Duterte’s arrest, but reactions from various political groups and human rights organizations continue to emerge. Some officials have condemned the arrest, calling it an infringement on national sovereignty, while others have lauded it as a long-overdue step toward justice.
As Duterte faces his day in court, the global community watches closely, with many considering this a landmark case for international accountability and the fight against impunity.