Former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, upon his arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. The arrest was executed based on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing Duterte of crimes against humanity related to his administration’s controversial war on drugs.

Duterte had been in Hong Kong prior to his arrest, a trip that sparked speculations about whether he was evading the ICC warrant. Upon landing in Manila, authorities immediately apprehended him and read him his Miranda rights before taking him into custody. He was later transported to The Hague to face trial.

Shortly after his arrest, Duterte reportedly suffered a sudden decline in health. His daughter, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, took to Instagram to express concern over her father’s condition, claiming that authorities were refusing to provide him with proper medical attention. The post quickly gained traction online, igniting public discussions.

Vice President Sara Duterte strongly condemned her father’s arrest, calling it an act of oppression and a violation of Philippine sovereignty. She accused the current administration of political persecution and insisted that the charges against her father were baseless.

Duterte’s arrest has drawn mixed reactions both locally and internationally. Human rights organizations hailed it as a step toward justice for the thousands of victims affected by his administration’s war on drugs. However, political analysts warned that the move could heighten tensions in the country and potentially destabilize the government.

As legal proceedings unfold, the world watches closely, anticipating the potential impact of this landmark case on human rights enforcement and the political landscape of the Philippines