MANILA, Philippines — Former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by police at Manila’s international airport on Tuesday following an order from the International Criminal Court (ICC) related to a case of crimes against humanity against him, according to the Philippine government.
Duterte was taken into custody after arriving from Hong Kong, as the ICC has been investigating the extensive killings that occurred during his harsh crackdown on illegal drugs. A statement from President Ferdinand Marcos’ office confirmed the events.
The Manila office of Interpol received an official copy of the arrest warrant from the ICC, and the warrant was subsequently served to the former president.
It remains unclear where police took Duterte after his arrest. However, the government reported that the 79-year-old former leader is in good health and was examined by government doctors. Our inquiries with the ICC yesterday did not reveal the warrant that was intended as a surprise upon his return to Manila.
