Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has found himself at the centre of a significant legal storm after an Interpol arrest warrant was issued on 11 March 2024. This warrant stems from his controversial ‘war on drugs’, a campaign that has come under fire for allegedly resulting in thousands of deaths.
The ‘War on Drugs’
Duterte’s aggressive anti-narcotics campaign was a cornerstone of his presidency, which commenced in 2016. He often justified the violence as necessary for restoring peace in the Philippines, famously stating, “What is my sin? I did everything in my time for peace and a peaceful life for the Filipino people.” While police reports claim approximately 6,200 were killed during legitimate operations, many activists argue the true toll is much higher.
Duterte’s Response
On his recent trip to Hong Kong, where he attended a rally with thousands of fellow Filipinos, Duterte expressed readiness to face any arrest. He mentioned, “If this is truly my fate in life, it’s okay, I will accept it.” This was in contrast to his previous stance, when he hastily withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019 to evade scrutiny.
Current Legal Developments
- Legal Team’s Concerns: Duterte’s former legal counsel has called the arrest unlawful, claiming police denied access to one of his lawyers at Manila’s main airport.
- Presidential Office’s Role: The office of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr confirmed that the warrant had been officially received and that law enforcement is prepared to act accordingly.
As the dust settles on Duterte’s turbulent leadership, his supporters remain embroiled in discussions about his legacy, whilst the victims’ families continue to seek justice.