Manila, Philippines – Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested in a dramatic turn of events, as he faces charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his deadly “war on drugs”. A plane carrying Duterte arrived in the Netherlands where the ICC is located after his arrest in Manila. Duterte, who led the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, is now set to become the first Asian former head of state to stand trial at the ICC for the violent drug war that resulted in thousands of deaths without trial.

Duterte’s extradition was contested, but he was swiftly flown out of Manila to The Hague on a chartered jet. The ICC confirmed his presence once the plane landed in Rotterdam. This turn of events was facilitated by Duterte’s main political rival, current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, signaling a shift in their previously powerful political alliance.

The ICC’s investigation spans the years 2011-2019, which includes Duterte’s time as mayor of Davao, where he allegedly maintained a “death squad” of bounty hunters to target drug suspects. Human Rights Watch has hailed Duterte’s arrest as a critical step towards accountability in the Philippines, while his supporters have threatened protests against the ICC’s actions.

Duterte’s leadership was characterized by a tough-talking, anti-establishment persona, winning the 2016 presidential elections against the odds. A popular figure, he cultivated an image of safety and tough law enforcement in Davao. Despite calls for rallies and protests from his supporters, reactions on social media have been mixed, with some praising the ICC’s move for justice and others defending Duterte’s legacy.

The ongoing feud between the Duterte and Marcos families, once a powerful political force in the Philippines, has taken a dramatic turn with Duterte’s arrest and transfer to the ICC. The political landscape in the Philippines is undergoing significant shifts as this high-profile case unfolds. Vice-President Duterte has labeled her father’s arrest as “kidnapping”, further complicating the situation.

As the trial at the ICC looms for Duterte, the outcome of this case will not only impact the former president and his legacy but also set a precedent for accountability and justice in the Philippines and beyond. The political implications of this trial continue to reverberate across the country as Duterte faces the legal consequences of his actions during his presidency.