Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has publicly accepted responsibility for his controversial “war on drugs” after his arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC). In a video message shared on Facebook, Duterte, who is 79 years old, spoke directly to his supporters while on a plane en route to the Netherlands.
Duterte stated, “I am the one who led our law enforcement and military. I said that I will protect you and I will be responsible for all of this.” He emphasized that he had always communicated to the police and military that he would take the blame for the actions taken during his presidency.
The video has garnered millions of views, showcasing Duterte’s determination to continue serving his country despite facing serious legal challenges. He acknowledged that the legal proceedings ahead would be lengthy but reassured his supporters, saying, “I am OK, do not worry.”
Duterte was arrested in Manila on Tuesday and taken into custody by the ICC. He faces allegations of crimes against humanity linked to a brutal anti-drug campaign that resulted in the deaths of over 6,000 people during his time in office from 2016 to 2022. Human rights organizations suggest that the actual death toll might be much higher, potentially reaching tens of thousands. The ICC’s warrant claims that Duterte funded and armed death squads responsible for the killings of alleged drug users and dealers.
Following his arrest, Duterte was transferred to a detention facility in the Netherlands. He is expected to appear before an ICC judge in The Hague soon. His daughter, Sara Duterte, the current vice president of the Philippines, has traveled to The Hague to support her father as he faces these serious charges.
The arrest has been described as a significant moment for the ICC, which has faced scrutiny and criticism from various governments, including the United States. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk called Duterte’s arrest an important step toward accountability for the victims of the drug war.
In contrast, China has expressed concerns about the ICC’s actions, warning against what it sees as politicization and double standards in international law. As the situation unfolds, many are watching closely to see how this high-profile case will impact global perceptions of justice and human rights.