**Duterte’s Arrest: A Turning Point for Philippine Politics**

This historic moment marks a significant shift in accountability and justice for victims of Duterte's controversial drug war.

A chartered jet carrying former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte departed Manila for The Hague following an arrest linked to an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. The ICC has charged Duterte with crimes against humanity over his infamous "war on drugs," which saw thousands of deaths among alleged drug users and dealers. The 79-year-old Duterte was detained upon returning from Hong Kong, where he had been rallying support among the Filipino diaspora for the upcoming elections.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed the government’s compliance with international requests, declaring, "This is what the international community expects of us." Duterte’s daughter, Sara, who serves as vice president, is expected to accompany him to The Hague, claiming that the arrest is politically motivated.

Duterte has consistently denied any wrongdoing, questioning the legal basis for his arrest during a video message. He asserted that any wrongdoing should be addressed within Philippine courts, not international jurisdictions, reflecting a defiant stance towards his critics.

Following his arrest, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court on Duterte's behalf, asserting that the country’s withdrawal from the ICC in 2019 nullified the court's jurisdiction. However, the ICC maintains that it retains authority over crimes committed before the withdrawal. Supporters of Duterte expressed sadness over his arrest, emphasizing the impact of his past policies, while activists hailed the event as a pivotal moment for justice concerning victims of the drug war.

Political analysts view Duterte's arrest as a signal of a new chapter in Philippine governance, marking a shift towards accountability and human rights. Richard Heydarian, a political scientist, suggested that the urgency of the arrest was a strategy to prevent political unrest, given the contentious relationship between Duterte and the Marcos family that has evolved since the 2022 elections.

Duterte's administration has faced global scrutiny for its violent approach to combating drug-related issues, criticisms that intensified after the ICC initiated investigations in 2021 into alleged abuses ranging from extrajudicial killings to the systematic targeting of vulnerable communities. While Marcos Jr. has attempted to distance his administration from Duterte’s legacy, reports indicate that drug-related violence continues under his leadership.

As the political landscape in the Philippines evolves, it remains to be seen how Duterte's legal battles will influence the future of both his family and the Marcos administration.