Former Philippines President Takes “Full Responsibility” for Controversial Campaign as Legal Battle Looms
Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has declared he is prepared for a protracted legal battle at the International Criminal Court (ICC) after his arrest on charges of crimes against humanity linked to his infamous “war on drugs.” Duterte, who was detained by Philippine authorities at Manila’s international airport on Tuesday and flown to The Hague the following day, faces allegations of orchestrating, funding, and arming “death squads” responsible for the killings of thousands of suspected drug dealers and users during his presidency from 2016 to 2022.
In a two-minute video statement recorded aboard the plane and shared on Facebook, Duterte reassured his supporters, saying, “This will be a long legal proceeding, but I say to you, I will continue to serve my country. And so be it, if that is my destiny.” The video, viewed over 19 million times, struck a defiant tone as the former leader vowed to stand by his actions.
Duterte has long denied any wrongdoing but has acknowledged the heavy toll of his anti-drug campaign. Shortly after taking office in 2016, he authorized police to use lethal force against drug suspects if they felt threatened, promising to eradicate illegal narcotics from the Philippines. Official records state that around 6,200 people were killed in police operations, though human rights activists argue the true number is significantly higher.
“Whatever happened in the past, I will be at the front of our law enforcement and the military. I said this already, that I will protect you, and I will be responsible for everything,” Duterte said, reiterating his stance on the controversial campaign.
The arrest has sparked debate over the ICC’s jurisdiction, as the Philippines formally withdrew from the court in 2019 under Duterte’s orders. However, the ICC maintains it has authority over crimes allegedly committed while the country was still a member.
Duterte’s son, Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte, the current mayor of Davao City, condemned the arrest, calling it a “dangerous precedent.” In a statement on Friday, he questioned, “If this can be done to a former President of the Republic, what protection is left for ordinary Filipino citizens?”
As Duterte prepares for his legal battle, the case has reignited global scrutiny over his brutal anti-drug campaign and its human rights implications. For many Filipinos, the trial represents a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, as the former leader faces accountability for a policy that left thousands dead and a country deeply divided.
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