The Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC) joins the victims of extrajudicial killings, their families, and communities in their unwavering cry for justice and accountability following the arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte as part of the investigation by the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in relation to crimes against humanity.
To recall, Duterte causing the withdrawal of the Philippines from the Rome Statute on 17 March 2019 did not discharge the country from its obligations while it was a Party, including its duty to cooperate.1
Earlier today, 11 March 2025, INTERPOL Manila received an official copy of the warrant of arrest from the ICC.2 Under the Rome Statute, the Philippines is obligated to “immediately take steps to arrest the person in question”3 and ensure that proper legal processes are followed.4
Once in custody and with the appropriate order,5 Duterte must be delivered to the ICC for a Pre-Trial Chamber Hearing, where the charges will be confirmed before trial can proceed.6
The long battle for justice and accountability is no small feat. Duterte’s reign caused deep and immense suffering; commanding enforced disappearances, torture, extrajudicial killings, and ultimately the perpetuation of a culture of impunity. Under his rule, countless Filipinos were silenced and denied their basic human rights, including due process, the presumption of innocence, the right to be secure, and most critically, the right to life.
Despite this, the former President now claims that the arrest violates human rights and accused the arresting authorities of Illegal Detention. These are false. The ICC’s service of the warrant of arrest demonstrates the legal integrity of the process.7
Time has caught up with former President Duterte. We call on the Philippine government, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, to fully cooperate with the ICC’s proceedings, uphold the integrity of the Prosecutor’s investigation, and ensure that it remains free from political interference and maneuvering. Now more than ever, the Marcos administration must
1 Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, art, 127 (2), opened for signature 17 July 1998, 2187 UNTS 3 (entered into force 1 July 2002) (Rome Statute).
2 Anna Felicia Bajo, “Rodrigo Duterte arrested for crimes against humanity —Palace”, GMANews, 11 Mar. 2025, available at https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/938864/rodrigo-duterte-arrested-for-crimes-against-humanity-palace/story/ (accessed on 11 March 2025). 3 Rome Statute, art. 59 (1).
4 Rome Statute, art. 59 (2).
5 Rome Statute, art. 59 (7).
6 Rome Statute, art. 60.
7 Bajo, supra note 3
act beyond tokenistic and performative deeds. Nothing short of genuine and continued commitment to justice and accountability is acceptable. Duterte and his co-perpetrators, including high-level officials, must be brought to justice.
Today, the light and memory of Kian (17), Nonoy (31), Ryan (28), Danica (3), and countless others8 triumph over Duterte’s regime of death. May justice be done and served swiftly.
