Ex-Philippine President Duterte arrested, flown to The Hague on ICC warrant

March 12, 2025

Ex-Philippine President Duterte arrested, flown to The Hague on ICC warrant

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested in Manila following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity. The warrant is linked to Duterte’s controversial war on drugs, which resulted in thousands of deaths. He was detained upon his return from Hong Kong, where he had been campaigning for his senatorial slate.

A plane transporting Duterte departed from Manila Tuesday night. Although the 79-year-old former leader opposed his detention, he was soon placed on a chartered flight bound for The Hague in the Netherlands, where the ICC is based. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that the Philippines was acting in accordance with its legal obligations.

Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which he launched upon taking office in 2016, has faced global criticism for its deadly impact. His administration had tried to block the ICC investigation by arguing that Philippine authorities were already addressing the allegations. However, ICC judges ruled in 2023 that the investigation could proceed.

Duterte’s role in POGO growth

During Duterte’s presidency, the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) industry expanded rapidly. Seen as a vital revenue stream, POGOs were regulated under Duterte’s leadership by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). The sector attracted numerous Chinese investors and generated significant income through licensing fees and taxes. However, concerns over criminal activities, tax evasion, and national security risks led to stricter regulations.

Duterte eventually imposed higher taxes on POGOs, prompting some operators to leave the country. Despite these measures, POGOs continued to operate until President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formally banned them last year, citing public order and national security concerns.

The Marcos administration said that the POGO ban played a role in the country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. In a radio interview earlier this March, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro highlighted that FATF had expressed concerns over POGOs’ links to financial crime risks. Castro explained that Executive Order 33, issued by Marcos in 2023, outlined measures to improve financial regulations and meet FATF’s recommendations. On 21 February, FATF confirmed the Philippines’ removal from its grey list, ending the increased monitoring it faced since June 2021.

Political fallout and family ties

Duterte’s arrest comes as his political influence appears to be waning. His daughter, Sara Duterte, who serves as the Philippines’ vice president, recently faced impeachment over various allegations, including misuse of office funds and incitement of sedition. The political alliance between the Duterte family and President Marcos has deteriorated in recent months.

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