The Hague Arrest of Former Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte Over ‘War on Drugs’ Met with Approval
The recent arrest and extradition of former Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague over his deadly ‘war on drugs’ has garnered widespread approval from various quarters, including the Catholic Church, human rights organizations, and the families of the victims.
By Lisa Zengarini
Following a years-long investigation into his notorious deadly “war on drugs,” Duterte, who ruled the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, was taken into custody at Manila airport on March 11 by Filipino authorities. He was subsequently flown to the Netherlands, where he arrived on March 12.
Duterte’s Deadly ‘War on Drugs’
During his tenure, Duterte faced accusations of extrajudicial killings, with thousands of alleged drug suspects, primarily young men from impoverished communities, reportedly executed. While official police records cite more than 6,200 extrajudicial killings, independent watchdogs estimate the actual number to be far higher, ranging between 12,000 and 30,000.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation covers the period from 2011 to 2019, encompassing Duterte’s time as mayor of Davao, where his family has wielded influence for years.
Reactions
The arrest of Duterte has been met with widespread approval from the Catholic Church, human rights organizations, and the families of the victims. However, his supporters view the arrest as an unjust persecution of a leader who, in their opinion, made the country safer.
Supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte await his arrival at the Scheveningen Prison in The Hague following his arrest at the request of the International Criminal Court.
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of Caritas Philippines emphasized that the killings under Duterte’s regime were not isolated incidents but rather part of a systematic policy that violated the fundamental right to life.
Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan stated that Duterte’s arrest is a significant step towards justice for the victims, emphasizing the importance of accountability, transparency, and the protection of human dignity.
The Catholic Church’s humanitarian arm issued a statement underscoring the need for truth, reparations, and justice for the victims, calling Duterte’s arrest a pivotal moment for the country.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, echoed these sentiments, describing the arrest as a crucial step toward accountability in the Philippines.
Conclusion
Despite Duterte’s claims that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines, his arrest signifies a move towards accountability and justice for the victims of his deadly ‘war on drugs.’
As the country grapples with this significant development, it is evident that the rule of law must prevail, and those responsible for human rights violations must be held accountable.
