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Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was taken into custody upon his arrival at Manila airport, following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his infamous “war on drugs.” The 79-year-old, who had just returned from a political trip to Hong Kong, remains defiant, questioning the legitimacy of the charges and maintaining that his actions were in the interest of national security. His arrest has sparked heated debates, with supporters calling it politically motivated while human rights groups hail it as a long-overdue step toward justice.
The arrest comes at a politically sensitive time, as Duterte had been gearing up for a return to local politics ahead of the midterm elections. Footage of him walking out of the airport with a cane quickly circulated, fueling discussions about his health and the optics of his detention. While Duterte remains unapologetic about his anti-drug campaign, which saw thousands killed under his leadership, the ICC argues that its jurisdiction still applies despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the court in 2019. Meanwhile, his allies, including former spokesperson Salvador Panelo, have denounced the move as an attack on Philippine sovereignty.
Duterte’s arrest also underscores the shifting political landscape in the Philippines. Once a staunch ally of the Marcos administration, his relationship with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has frayed in recent months. Marcos’ decision to cooperate with the ICC investigation suggests a break from his predecessor’s policies and a strategic realignment that could reshape the country’s governance. While Duterte continues to command strong public support, particularly in Mindanao, his detention signals a turning point in the accountability of former leaders—a moment that could redefine justice and rule of law in the nation.
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