Rodrigo Duterte Arrested by Interpol in Connection to Drug War Investigations

Rodrigo Duterte, former President of the Philippines, was arrested by Interpol at Manila’s airport on ICC’s orders due to alleged crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaign. Critics estimate that over 20,000 deaths occurred under his regime. The Philippines government is now prepared to cooperate with ongoing investigations.

Rodrigo Duterte, the former President of the Philippines, was apprehended on Tuesday upon his arrival at Manila’s international airport following a political rally in Hong Kong. The arrest was executed by Interpol under the directives of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is investigating numerous fatalities linked to Duterte’s aggressive anti-drug policies.

The ICC asserts that Duterte, 79, committed crimes against humanity during his presidency, particularly between 2011 and 2019. This period includes his tenure as mayor of Davao City and extends to the year he withdrew the Philippines from the Rome Statute, an action interpreted by critics as an attempt to evade culpability. While official reports indicate around 6,000 deaths as a result of Duterte’s “war on drugs,” human rights organizations suggest that the actual death toll may surpass 20,000.

In late 2021, the Duterte administration attempted to suspend the ICC’s investigation, claiming that local authorities were already addressing the concerns. However, following a ruling by ICC judges permitting the inquiry to continue, the Philippine government, now under President Ferdinand Marcos, expressed willingness to cooperate with the ICC regarding Duterte’s case.

During a recent rally in Hong Kong, Duterte defended his policies, stating, “Why did I do it? For myself? For my family? For you and your children, and for our nation.” He expressed acceptance of any consequences, saying, “If this is truly my fate in life, it’s okay, I will accept it. They can arrest me, imprison me. What is my sin? I did everything in my time for peace and a peaceful life for the Filipino people.”

Duterte has previously dismissed the ICC’s jurisdiction, expressing a desire for resolution and indicating that he welcomes an investigation. “I’m asking the ICC to hurry up and come here and start the investigation tomorrow,” he stated last year. The ICC, located in The Hague, Netherlands, intervenes when national jurisdictions are unwilling or unable to pursue justice for severe international crimes like genocide and crimes against humanity.

Rodrigo Duterte’s recent arrest highlights the ongoing international scrutiny of his administration’s controversial anti-drug policies, which resulted in significant loss of life. The ICC’s investigation into alleged crimes against humanity reflects the broader implications of his actions during and after his presidency. As the Philippines now navigates its legal responsibilities under international law, the situation remains a pivotal moment for accountability in human rights violations.

Original Source: www.telegraph.co.uk