Duterte’s ICC arrest: A call for unity in pursuit of justice

Supporters rally outside Villamor Air Base after former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, near Manila, Philippines. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

NEW YORK — The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte on March 11 has sent shockwaves through the Philippines and the international community. 

Indicted for “murder, torture and rape as crimes against humanity” related to his controversial “war on drugs,” this development has further polarized an already divided nation, complicating public opinion even more.

While his allies vehemently defend him, arguing that the arrest is invalid due to the Philippines’ withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), it is crucial for Filipinos to approach this matter with sensitivity and objectivity.

Duterte’s presidency was marked by a bloody war on drugs that led to the deaths of over 6,000 individuals, many of whom were never proven to be involved in drug-related crimes.

The ICC’s arrest warrant remains valid because the case was initiated while the Philippines was still a member. The ICC contends that the Philippine government has failed to address the serious allegations against Duterte, allowing the prosecution to proceed.

This legal distinction is vital – the ICC’s intervention is rooted in the belief that justice must be served, especially for the victims and their families who were denied due process during the height of Duterte’s campaign.

Relatives hold pictures of victims of alleged extra-judicial killings in front of a picture arrested former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte with a sign that says “Jail Duterte” during a press conference in Quezon City, Philippines on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

According to the ICC’s press release, on March 12, the Chamber, including Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc and Judges Reine Alapini-Gansou and Socorro Flores Liera, found that there was an attack against a civilian population in line with an organizational policy during Duterte’s tenure as the head of the Davao Death Squad (DDS) and later as president. 

FILE- Jennilyn Olayres cuddles her live-in partner alleged drug user and pusher Michael Siaron, after he was killed by unknown assailants at an intersection in Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines, July 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Linus G. Escandor II, File)

Furthermore, there are sufficient grounds to believe that this attack was large-scale and systematic, with alleged acts perpetrated over several years resulting in thousands of deaths. The Chamber’s 15-page arrest warrant focused on a sampling of incidents to make its analysis manageable.

In examining Duterte’s alleged involvement as DDS leader and subsequently as president, the Chamber found reasonable grounds to believe that he conspired, in collaboration with others, to kill those suspected of crimes, including drug suspects, initially in Davao and later across the country.

Supporters of Duterte, however, view the arrest as a political attack and insist that the current Marcos administration should not cooperate with the ICC. They argue that the arrest is invalid due to the Philippines’ exit from the ICC, overlooking the underlying principle that the ICC’s actions are based on accountability for crimes committed while the Philippines was still bound by its treaties.

The suffering of the victims and their families cannot be overstated. Hundreds of innocent lives were sacrificed at the altar of a policy that claimed to eradicate drugs. Accounts of children struck by stray bullets serve as grim reminders of the human cost of Duterte’s approach.

For the families of victims seeking justice, the notion that Duterte does not deserve due process reflects their pain and indignation – sentiments that are entirely understandable given their experiences.

In this tumultuous time, Filipinos are urged to adopt an objective stance. The issue demands a nuanced understanding rather than a reaction driven by passion or personal loyalty. Tempers are high, and the spread of unverified information that fuels division will only exacerbate the already polarized debate surrounding this matter.

As Filipino Americans, we must strive to engage in a conversation that heals rather than divides. We must recognize that the pursuit of justice is not merely about punishment. It is about affirming the suffering of countless victims and ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated.

While Duterte’s arrest (he turns 80 on March 28) may evoke strong emotions on both sides, it is essential for the Filipino people to respond thoughtfully. We must resist the urge to blame and instead embrace a collective responsibility to seek truth and justice.

The path forward requires us to unite in the pursuit of a just society, free from the shadows of violence and impunity.