The Duterte Arrest Drama: Accountability of a Former Philippine President on the World Stage

Who could have imagined? The man was once hailed as the savior of the Philippines. Now, he finds himself behind bars. His words once seemed like law.

As of March 11, 2025, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has officially been arrested by Philippine authorities. This isn’t just any arrest; it’s due to an Interpol warrant for “crimes against humanity.”

Quite a dramatic twist, isn’t it?

Unpacking the “War on Drugs” That Claimed Thousands of Lives

To understand this drama, we need to look back a little, to when Duterte rose to power in 2016. He came with an ambitious promise: to eradicate drugs from the roots within a short time.

The campaign he called the “war on drugs” was indeed very aggressive. However, unfortunately, the methods used often went beyond legal boundaries.

Reports from various human rights organizations reveal critical information. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch state that tens of thousands of people died in these operations.

The numbers vary, from a conservative estimate of around 6,000 lives to a more extreme figure of 30,000.

Ironically, most of the victims were poor people living in slums and marginalized areas. They were people who, according to many, “had no voice” and were easily targeted.

Stories of extrajudicial killings, under the guise of “resisting,” were widespread. This then formed the basis of the crimes against humanity charges against Duterte.

Two-Faced Politics: Between Anti-Drug Rhetoric and Accusations of Protecting “Big Fish”

Duterte was known for his blunt, outspoken, and sometimes harsh speaking style. He wasn’t afraid to threaten anyone who hindered his campaign.

But behind his tough rhetoric, various negative accusations emerged. Many critics accused Duterte of employing “two-faced politics.”

One of the hottest issues was his alleged closeness to China. Some called him a “Chinese stooge.” They believed his policies were too tilted towards Beijing. This was especially true in the South China Sea dispute.

Then, equally sensational, were accusations that the “war on drugs” only targeted “small fish” while the “big fish” were protected.

These accusations grew stronger. Rumors surfaced about the involvement of Duterte’s family and close associates in illegal businesses. These include drugs and gambling.

One of the most talked-about was the alleged involvement of his eldest son, Paolo Duterte, in large-scale drug smuggling.

Paolo vehemently denied these accusations. He was not Baste, his youngest son. However, the image had already stuck. It became ammunition for his opponents.

The Dramatic Moment: When the Powerful Becomes Old and Frail

This is perhaps the most interesting and thought-provoking part. Imagine, a week before his arrest, a photo of Duterte circulated.

He was in Hong Kong, ready to attend a big rally for his overseas supporters. At 79 years old, he appeared robust, energetic, and full of vigor. As if power still clung to him.

However, just a day after his arrest, another photo circulated that was in stark contrast. Duterte was seen in a wheelchair, looking frail, and suddenly appearing like a pitiful old man. This transformation was striking.

He was once a figure who could threaten to shoot anyone who violated Covid-19 lockdowns. He could also imprison poor street vendors while his wealthy friends who broke the rules could walk free.

Now, he himself has to face the consequences of the law.

This phenomenon often occurs with powerful figures who eventually fall afoul of the law. The strength, power, and untouchable aura they possess seem to vanish in an instant once they are arrested.

This is the most honest moment about the nature of power. No matter how great someone is, in the end, everyone must submit to the law.

Despite Leaving the ICC, Duterte Remains Entangled in International Law

Some might wonder, how can the ICC prosecute Duterte if the Philippines has withdrawn from ICC membership?

Well, this is important!

The Philippines officially withdrew from the Rome Statute in March 2019. However, the International Criminal Court asserts that it retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes that occurred before that withdrawal took effect.

This indicates that all actions accused as “crimes against humanity” are still under the ICC’s authority. These were committed during Duterte’s presidency before March 2019.

This is a strong precedent. International law can reach leaders even after they step down from power. It also applies when their country withdraws from international treaties.

How Did the Philippines React? Between Relief and Uncertainty

The news of Duterte’s arrest was certainly met with mixed reactions in the Philippines. Thousands of families of “war on drugs” victims might see this as a glimmer of hope. They have been seeking justice for years.

Local human rights organizations, which have been vocal about the abuses, surely feel this is a significant step forward.

Many loyal Duterte supporters remain. They may feel disbelief or even anger at the arrest. These supporters view it as a political attempt to bring down their idol. This situation shows how deeply divided Filipino society remains due to Duterte’s policies.

The Philippines Makes History: Accountability for a Leader

Duterte’s arrest is not just news; it’s also a significant historical event for the Philippines.

A country often regarded as a “banana republic” is now showing significant progress. A “banana republic” is a term for a nation whose government and politics tend to be unstable and corrupt.

This country has managed to do something that even superpowers like the United States often struggle with. It is holding a former head of state accountable for serious alleged crimes.

Rodrigo Duterte’s story is a reminder that the wheels of fortune can turn. Power is temporary, but justice will always find its way. For the victims of the “war on drugs,” this arrest might be a glimmer of hope. They have long awaited this justice.