Duterte's Legacy: The Violent 'War on Drugs' and Its Aftermath

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on an ICC warrant over his controversial 'war on drugs' policy between 2016 and 2022. Thousands were killed, and the crackdown faced international scrutiny. Despite initial government resistance, cooperation with ICC investigations has been pledged under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Rodrigo Duterte, the former President of the Philippines, was detained in Manila following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. The charge relates to his administration's brutal 'war on drugs', which defined his presidency from 2016 to 2022, resulting in thousands of deaths.

Duterte's harsh anti-drug campaign quickly gained notoriety for extrajudicial killings and human rights violations. Despite international outrage and accusations of sanctioned killings by government forces, his popularity remained high domestically.

The ICC investigation into these operations began in 2018, despite the Duterte administration's withdrawal from the court. Initially suspended, the inquiry resumed in 2023, as the current government under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has shown a willingness to assist with the international investigation process.

(With inputs from agencies.)