The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) confirmed today via its official Facebook page that an arrest warrant has been issued for former President Rodrigo Duterte. 

They stated that they received the official copy of the arrest warrant from the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) – Manila earlier at dawn.

Photo Courtesy: Presidential Communications Office

Upon his arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from his travel to Hongkong, former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and was taken to an undisclosed place. 

The PCO assured the public of his safety, stating that the authorities who carried out the arrest were equipped with body cameras.

The warrant was issued by the Prosecutor General of International Criminal Court (ICC) over a crimes against humanity case related to Duterte’s drug war, which allegedly resulted in over 30,000 deaths, according to human rights groups tallies.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent tribunal based in The Hague, Netherlands, that prosecutes individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes of aggression. 

Established by the Rome Statute in 2002, it operates independently to hold individuals accountable when national courts fail to do so.

Former President Duterte is the first Philippine head of state to be arrested by order of an international tribunal.