MANILA, Philippines –Former President Rodrigo Duterte is currently in custody at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention center in The Hague, Netherlands.
His detention follows the issuance of an arrest warrant by the ICC, stemming from an investigation into his actions during his presidency, particularly the controversial war on drugs that took place from 2016 to 2022.
Duterte was arrested upon his arrival in The Hague from Hong Kong, with Interpol facilitating the process.
The charges against him are related to alleged human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings connected to his anti-drug campaign.
The ICC’s prosecutor applied for the arrest warrant on February 10, 2025, leading to Duterte’s surrender and transfer to the detention facility.
Duterte was reportedly cooperative during the arrest process, and upon arriving in The Hague, he was immediately transferred to the ICC detention center.
In a video statement after his arrest, Duterte expressed his willingness to face legal proceedings and take responsibility for his actions.
The ICC’s involvement stems from its investigation into Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which human rights groups have condemned for alleged extrajudicial killings.
The ICC’s intervention was prompted by calls for international action due to concerns over human rights violations and the rule of law in the Philippines.
While in custody, the ICC is expected to proceed with a pre-trial process, in which evidence will be presented by the prosecution for evaluation.
Duterte’s legal team is preparing a defense, arguing that the drug war actions were in line with national law enforcement policies designed to maintain public order and safety.
However, the ICC focuses on adherence to international human rights standards, particularly during law enforcement operations.
