On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced that INTERPOL Manila had received an official copy of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) warrant of arrest against former President Rodrigo Duterte.
This development follows mounting anticipation regarding potential legal actions stemming from Duterte’s controversial “war on drugs” initiated in 2016, which resulted in thousands of fatalities. Human rights groups and international organizations have long criticized the campaign, alleging systematic extrajudicial killings and human rights violations.
Duterte, who recently returned from Hong Kong, has publicly expressed his readiness to face arrest. Before his arrival, he stated, “I have nothing to hide. What I did, I did it for my country and the young people. No excuses. No apologies. If I go to hell, so be it.” His statement echoes his long-standing defiance of international criticism regarding his administration’s anti-narcotics policies.
The current administration under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has indicated its commitment to uphold international obligations. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin previously stated that if the ICC involves INTERPOL and issues a red notice, Philippine authorities would be “bound to accord full cooperation to the INTERPOL under established protocols.” However, the extent of the Philippine government’s actual cooperation remains uncertain, as some political figures argue against ICC jurisdiction over the country.
The “war on drugs” remains one of the most polarizing aspects of Duterte’s presidency. While official records cite over 6,200 deaths during anti-drug operations, activists and independent investigations suggest the actual toll is significantly higher, with many victims allegedly being unarmed suspects. Families of victims, human rights organizations, and opposition groups have been advocating for justice, while Duterte’s allies maintain that his policies were necessary to curb drug-related crimes.
The ICC’s investigation into these alleged crimes against humanity has been met with mixed reactions domestically. Despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC in 2019, the court maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was a member. Duterte and his supporters have repeatedly dismissed the ICC’s authority, calling it an intrusion into the country’s sovereignty.
As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, anticipating the Philippine government’s next steps in addressing the ICC’s actions concerning former President Duterte. Meanwhile, Duterte’s legal team is expected to challenge any moves for his arrest, citing the Philippines’ non-membership in the ICC and the lack of domestic legal recognition of the court’s jurisdiction.
With growing pressure both locally and internationally, the coming weeks may prove to be pivotal in determining whether Duterte will indeed face international prosecution or if legal and political maneuvering will allow him to evade accountability. For now, all eyes remain on the Marcos administration and its response to the unfolding legal battle.