Reinforcing Justice: Duterte’s Arrest and the Role of the ICC in the Philippines

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In a landmark development, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been apprehended by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity. This follows the ICC's pursuit of justice for thousands of extrajudicial killings during Duterte's notorious "war on drugs," which he aggressively pushed throughout his tenure, both as Davao City mayor and President.

Background: Duterte initiated the Philippines' withdrawal from the ICC in March 2018, amid rising scrutiny from the court regarding his brutal anti-drug campaign. Despite the Philippines formally leaving the ICC in 2019, the court retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the country was still a signatory.

The ICC’s jurisdiction covers the period from November 2011 to March 2019, enabling it to investigate the egregious acts linked to Duterte’s rule. This inclusion extends to his earlier role as the mayor of Davao City, where similar campaigns of violence against suspected drug offenders were prevalent.

Human rights organisations, notably Karapatan, argue that Duterte’s arrest highlights the void in the Philippines' justice mechanisms, having labeled domestic attempts to provide justice as ineffective due to the low conviction rate of police officers implicated in the drug war killings.

Duterte’s close allies, former police chiefs, are also under investigation by the ICC. Figures such as Bato dela Rosa and Oscar Albayalde are cited for their pivotal roles in carrying out Duterte’s drug policies. The international community observes this unfolding situation as a test of justice and human rights accountability in the Philippines.

Rights advocates stress the importance of independently strengthening the country’s justice system to ensure accountability extends beyond this high-profile case. Calls to rejoin the ICC are echoed, alongside demands for systemic reforms to provide a robust justice system capable of addressing human rights abuses domestically.

While Duterte's arrest marks a significant step, many argue it is only the beginning of the arduous journey towards justice for the families of thousands who suffered under his administration’s vicious campaign, reported Philippine Star.