Rodrigo Duterte Faces International Criminal Court Over Deadly Crackdown on Drugs
MANILA: Lawyers for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte have filed a petition demanding his return to Manila after his arrest yesterday morning, as he is believed to be headed for The Hague to face the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his deadly crackdown on drugs.
The 79-year-old former president is accused of "the crime against humanity of murder" by the ICC, with rights groups estimating that his campaign killed tens of thousands of mostly poor men, often without proof they were linked to drugs.
"Bloody War"
At a church in the capital, some of those whose family members were killed in the "drug war" discussed the arrest. "Duterte is fortunate, there’s due process for him," Emily Soriano said of her son Angelito. "There was no due process for my son. He will be lying down on a good bed, my son is already rotting at the cemetery."
Government’s Prerogative
The Philippine government has maintained that it will not cooperate with the ICC investigation, with presidential palace press officer Claire Castro saying, "This is not just surrendering a Filipino citizen, this is surrendering a Filipino citizen who is accused of crimes against humanity, specifically murder."
Long Road to Justice
The Philippines quit the ICC in 2019 on Duterte’s instructions, but the tribunal maintained it had jurisdiction over killings up to then, including ones in the southern city of Davao when Duterte was mayor. The ICC launched a formal inquiry in September 2021, only to suspend it two months later after Manila said it was re-examining several hundred drug operations that led to deaths.
Conclusion
The fate of Rodrigo Duterte hangs in the balance as he faces the International Criminal Court over his deadly crackdown on drugs. As the battle for justice continues, the families of those affected by the "drug war" are left to wonder if they will finally get the justice they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the charge against Rodrigo Duterte?
The former president is accused of "the crime against humanity of murder" by the ICC. - Why is the Philippine government not cooperating with the ICC investigation?
The government claims it does not have an extradition treaty with the ICC and that it will not surrender a Filipino citizen to face charges abroad. - What is the current status of the ICC investigation?
The ICC launched a formal inquiry in September 2021, which was suspended two months later. The probe resumed in July 2023 after a five-judge panel rejected the Philippines’ objection that the court lacked jurisdiction. - What is the reaction of the families of those affected by the "drug war"?
Many are jubilant, saying they have been waiting for this moment for a long time.