On March 11, 2025, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was apprehended at Manila's international airport under a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). He faces accusations of presiding over lethal anti-drug campaigns that led to thousands of fatalities and is charged with crimes against humanity. The ICC’s inquiry spans from November 2011, when Duterte served as mayor of Davao, through the end of his presidency in 2019.

Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, reproached the Marcos administration for permitting the arrest, asserting that the ICC lacks authority over the Philippines. Responses to Duterte’s arrest have been mixed: while families of victims rejoiced, his supporters condemned the action as politically motivated. The former president’s legal team has submitted a petition aiming to halt any further proceedings and prevent his extradition.

The ICC’s investigation centers on the mass killings that occurred during Duterte's administration, with estimates of the death toll ranging from 6,000 to 30,000. This arrest is perceived as a pivotal moment in the history of the Philippines, potentially paving the way for additional legal actions against those responsible for the violent crackdowns.