Arrest of Rodrigo Duterte

{{main|International Criminal Court investigation in the Philippines}}

Rodrigo Duterte was investigated by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity. The investigation covered Duterte's links to the Davao Death Squad, which is estimated to have killed at least a thousand people since the 1990s, as well as reports of extrajudicial killings of alleged drug dealers and users during his presidency, limited to the period before the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019.Multiple references:{{Bulleted list|{{Cite news |last=Phippen |first=J. Weston |date=September 15, 2016 |title=A Former Hitman Says the Philippine President Once Ran a Hit Squad |work=The Atlantic |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/news/archive/2016/09/duterte-death-squad-philippines/500201/ |access-date=October 8, 2021}}|{{Cite book |url=https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/philippines0409webwcover_0.pdf |title=You Can Die Any Time: Death Squad Killings in Mindanao |publisher=Human Rights Watch |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-56432-448-1 |location=New York City |access-date=January 11, 2023}}|{{Cite news |date=April 4, 2005 |title=PHILIPPINES: Filipino journalists face brutal death squads |work=Taipei Times |url=http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=22674 |url-status=dead |access-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070222062945/http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=22674 |archive-date=February 22, 2007 |via=AsiaMedia}}|{{cite news |last1=Sarao |first1=Zacarian |title=6,252 drug suspects killed as of May 31 – PDEA |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1614260/pdea-says-6252-drug-suspects-died-as-of-may-31-in-war-against-drugs |access-date=August 2, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=June 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621185230/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1614260/pdea-says-6252-drug-suspects-died-as-of-may-31-in-war-against-drugs |archive-date=June 21, 2022 |language=en}}|{{cite news |last1=Cabuenas |first1=Jon Viktor D. |title=ICC calls on Philippine gov't to comment on reopening of drug war probe |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/838463/icc-calls-on-marcos-administration-to-comment-on-reopening-of-drug-war-probe/story/ |access-date=August 2, 2024 |work=GMA News Online |date=July 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717125349/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/838463/icc-calls-on-marcos-administration-to-comment-on-reopening-of-drug-war-probe/story/ |archive-date=July 17, 2022 |language=en}}|{{Cite news |last=Simons |first=Margaret |date=January 11, 2023 |title=The Philippines Is Losing Its 'War on Drugs' |work=Foreign Policy |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/01/11/philippines-drug-war-manila-marcos/ |access-date=July 19, 2023}}|{{Cite report |url=https://acleddata.com/2021/11/18/the-drug-war-rages-on-in-the-philippines-new-acled-data-on-the-civilian-toll-state-responsibility-and-shifting-geographies-of-violence/ |title=The Drug War Rages on in the Philippines: New Data on the Civilian Toll, State Responsibility, and Shifting Geographies of Violence |last1=Kishi |first1=Roudabeh |last2=Buenaventura |first2=Tomas |date=November 18, 2021 |publisher=Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project}}}}

In 2017, Filipino lawyer Jude Sabio submitted a 77-page document to the ICC titled "The Situation of Mass Murder in the Philippines", accusing President Duterte and 11 other officials of mass murder and crimes against humanity.{{Cite news |last=Domonoske |first=Camila |date=April 24, 2017 |title=Lawyer In Philippines Accuses President Duterte Of Crimes Against Humanity |work=NPR |department=The Two-Way |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/04/24/525393702/lawyer-in-philippines-accuses-president-duterte-of-crimes-against-humanity |access-date=July 18, 2023}}{{Cite news |last=Paddock |first=Richard C. |date=April 24, 2017 |title=Charge Rodrigo Duterte With Mass Murder, Lawyer Tells The Hague |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/24/world/asia/rodrigo-duterte-philippines-icc-complaint.html |access-date=July 18, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}} Similarly, then-senator Antonio Trillanes and members of the Magdalo Party-List, led by then-representative Gary Alejano, filed a 45-page supplemental complaint requesting charges of crimes against humanity, supporting Sabio's earlier filing.{{Cite news|date=June 6, 2017 |title=Trillanes, Magdalo charge Duterte at ICC |work=Senate of the Philippines|url=https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2017/0606_trillanes1.asp |access-date=March 12, 2025}}

The ICC's jurisdiction in the Philippines applies only to the period when the country was a state party to the Rome Statute (November 1, 2011 – March 16, 2019). This includes nearly three years of Duterte's presidency, during which the Philippine drug war was at its peak. The Supreme Court of the Philippines, in a 2021 ruling, commented on the withdrawal from the Rome Statute and stated that the Philippines still has an obligation to cooperate in the ICC proceedings.{{Cite web |last=Lopez |first=Virgil |date=July 21, 2021 |title=Philippines obliged to cooperate with ICC despite withdrawal —Supreme Court |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/796239/philippines-obliged-to-cooperate-with-icc-despite-withdrawal-supreme-court/story/ |access-date=October 20, 2024 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}

{{See also|Bongbong Marcos#Marcos–Duterte feud}}

Under President Bongbong Marcos's administration, the government maintained its stance of non-cooperation with the ICC investigation. However, by 2024, it acknowledged that it could not prevent investigators from acting independently.{{cite news |last1=Bautista |first1=Jane |title=SolGen: Gov't will not stand in way of ICC probe |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1967709/solgen-govt-will-not-stand-in-way-of-icc-probe |access-date=October 31, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=July 31, 2024 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Casilao |first1=Joahna Lei |title=Guevarra maintains gov't cannot stop ICC from interviewing suspects |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/916911/guevarra-maintains-gov-t-cannot-stop-icc-from-interviewing-suspects/story/ |access-date=October 31, 2024 |work=GMA News |date=August 13, 2024 |language=en}} In November 2024, the Philippine government reaffirmed its stance on the ICC but stated that it would surrender Duterte if he were indicted, citing its obligation to Interpol.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/philippines-duterte-icc-interpol-drug-killings-71de48e00c77c70ce37cf67146a94d12|title=Philippines says it will cooperate if ICC seeks Duterte's custody over drug killings|date=November 13, 2024|newspaper=Associated Press|first=Jim|last=Gomez}}{{cite news|title=Rodrigo Duterte's downfall marks dramatic end to Philippines power struggle|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c6253ly20p4o|access-date=March 12, 2025|work=BBC|date=March 11, 2025}}

In May 2024, the Department of Justice began briefing President Marcos on the possible scenarios in ICC issuing a warrant of arrest for Duterte, as well as its legal team's preparations for how to handle it.{{cite news|last=Ayalin|first=Adrian|title=DOJ to brief Marcos on possible Duterte arrest, PH return to ICC|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/8/doj-to-brief-marcos-on-possible-duterte-arrest-ph-return-to-icc-1537|access-date=March 20, 2025|work=ABS-CBN News|publisher=ABS-CBN Corporation|date=May 8, 2024|location=Manila}}

According to The New York Times, in preparation for the possible issuance of an arrest warrant by the ICC, the Philippine National Police (PNP) had discreetly prepared an 80-page plan for Duterte's arrest with the code name Operation Pursuit.{{cite news|last1=Wee|first1=Sui-lee|last2=Elemia|first2=Camille|title='Operation Pursuit': Inside the High-Stakes Arrest of Rodrigo Duterte|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/20/world/asia/philippines-rodrigo-duterte-arrest.html|access-date=March 20, 2025|work=The New York Times|date=March 20, 2025}} In it, they laid out scenarios for how the arrest of Duterte might play out in either Manila or Davao City, with maps of Duterte's properties as well as his allies' properties included in the document. PNP police general Nicolas Torre himself later admitted to planning the entire operation once it was entrusted to him, stating that "I really told them that let me[...] succeed and fail on my plans. Because if I succeed, I succeed based on my plans. If I fail, I fail on my plans also, so there's no one else to blame but me."{{cite news|last=Bolledo|first=Jairo|title=It took a Nicolas Torre to haul Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague|url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/nicolas-torre-iii-profile-rodrigo-duterte-arrest-hague/|access-date=March 26, 2025|work=Rappler|publisher=Rappler Inc.|date=March 22, 2025}}

The International Criminal Court's (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I issued a warrant on March 7, 2025, at The Hague, with Judges Iulia Motoc, Reine Alapini-Gansou, and Socorro Flores Liera presiding. The ICC reached out to Interpol for the execution of the warrant.{{cite news|last=Bolledo|first=Jairo|date=March 11, 2025|title=ICC warrant: Rodrigo Duterte used DDS, law enforcers to kill 'criminals' |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/explainers/icc-arrest-warrant-content-rodrigo-duterte-used-dds-law-enforcers-kill-criminals/|access-date=March 11, 2025|work=Rappler}} While rumors suggested that a warrant was imminent as Duterte flew to Hong Kong a few days prior,{{cite news |last1=Gaborne |first1=King Kenneth |title=Natunugan? Rody Duterte Flies to Hong Kong Amid ICC Arrest Warrant Rumors, but Panelo Says He's Meeting OFWs |url=https://politiko.com.ph/2025/03/08/natunugan-rody-duterte-flies-to-hong-kong-amid-icc-arrest-warrant-rumors-but-panelo-says-hes-meeting-ofws/daily-feed/ |work=politiko.com.ph |date=March 8, 2025}} its legal existence was not immediately disclosed to the public. The document was reclassified from "secret" to "public" on March 11.{{cite news |last1=Flores |first1=Dominique Nicole |title=Fact check: ICC did issue, publicize arrest warrant for Rodrigo Duterte |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/03/12/2427832/fact-check-icc-did-issue-publicize-arrest-warrant-rodrigo-duterte |access-date=March 12, 2025 |work=The Philippine Star |date=March 12, 2025}} The Presidential Communications Office confirmed the warrant in a press release hours after its execution.{{cite news |last1=Bajo |first1=Anna Felicia |date=March 11, 2025 |title=Rodrigo Duterte arrested for crimes against humanity —Palace |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/938864/rodrigo-duterte-arrested-for-crimes-against-humanity-palace/story/ |access-date=March 11, 2025 |work=GMA News Online}}

In a press conference shortly after the plane bound for the Netherlands departed, President Bongbong Marcos stated the warrant had been sent to the Office of the President of the Philippines via the Interpol Manila office at around 03:00 PHT (UTC+08:00) on March 11, 2025. He added that authorities proceeded with serving the warrant in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP). He emphasized that the PNP enforced the warrant in coordination with Interpol, not the ICC, of which the Philippines was formerly a member.{{cite news |last1=Cupin |first1=Bea |date=March 11, 2025 |title=Rodrigo Duterte arrested for crimes against humanity —Palace |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/marcos-jr-addresses-nation-march-2025/ |access-date=March 11, 2025 |work=GMA News Online}}

On the morning of March 7, Rodrigo Duterte flew to Hong Kong with his common-law wife, Honeylet Avanceña; their daughter, Veronica "Kitty" Duterte; their adoptive daughter, Mira;{{efn|Since 2022, a child named Mira is seen being raised by Duterte and Avanceña alongside Veronica (Kitty), though there are conflicting reports on whether she is a child or a grandchild of Duterte.{{cite news|last=Domingo|first=Katrina|title=Duterte questions ICC warrant of arrest, demands answers for 'deprivation of liberty'|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/3/11/duterte-supporters-gather-at-naia-amid-ex-presidents-arrest-1346|access-date=March 19, 2025|work=ABS-CBN News|date=March 11, 2025|quote=Aside from [Salvador] Medialdea, Duterte was accompanied by his common-law partner Honeylet [Avanceña], and their daughters Veronica and Mira.}}{{cite news|author=Politiko.com.ph|title=Kitty Duterte offers glimpses into moments with Mira and mom Honeylet|url=https://mindanao.politiko.com.ph/kitty-duterte-offers-glimpses-into-moments-with-mira-and-mom-honeylet/|access-date=February 24, 2025|work=Politiko|publisher=MCD Multimedia Corporation|date=July 27, 2023|quote=Kitty Duterte, the daughter of former President Duterte, recently took to social media to share endearing snapshots of cherished moments spent with her sister Mira and mother Honeylet within the comfort of their home.}}{{cite web|author=Edge Davao|title=Former President Rodrigo Duterte's great granddaughter, Mira...|url=https://www.facebook.com/EdgeDavao/posts/pfbid0ajaZT2VxiizqgkCDw4pn5hbWA37ofqgUGD8WmFjdGHJ1LfPpcXAdFLDq2oursiVEl|website=Facebook|publisher=Meta Platforms, Inc.|access-date=February 24, 2025|date=December 8, 2024}}{{cite web|last1=Siongco|first1=Ronald|author2=Global Daily Mirror|title="Maligayang kaarawan, Ma'am Honeylet!"|url=https://www.facebook.com/globaldailymirror/posts/pfbid035HK87gn28vM9EaspgTtQRUP21copQQnTicgH7Vjha7nVsVC3LJAy11h9Wjh8XKuWl|website=Facebook|publisher=Meta Platforms, Inc.|access-date=February 24, 2025|date=February 17, 2025|quote=[...]says [Bong] Go as he shares snapshots with the former First Couple, their daughter social media personality Kitty Duterte and granddaughter Mira.}}}}{{relevant?|date=March 2025}} his former executive secretary, Salvador Medialdea; and his entourage. They had initially traveled from Davao City to Manila the previous evening.{{cite news|last=Hofileña|first=Chay F.|title=ICC arrest warrant for Duterte out?|url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/international-criminal-court-icc-arrest-warrant-rodrigo-duterte/|access-date=March 14, 2025|work=Rappler|publisher=Rappler Inc.|date=March 8, 2025}} His eldest daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, flew to Hong Kong later on to join him. Duterte had already heard about the imminent arrest warrant from the ICC, and while in Hong Kong, he and his family debated whether to remain in Chinese territory or return to the Philippines.

On March 8, the Hong Kong-based newspaper The Standard first reported Duterte's presence in the city after he was spotted in Causeway Bay with his entourage, amid circulating rumors that the ICC had issued an arrest warrant for him.{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/03/09/2427081/vp-sara-ex-president-duterte-hk-pdp-laban-rally-amid-icc-arrest-warrant-rumors |title=VP Sara, ex-president Duterte in HK for PDP-Laban rally amid ICC arrest warrant rumors|publisher=PhilStar Global|date=March 9, 2025|access-date=March 11, 2025}}{{cite news|last=Limbu|first=Prashan|title=(Exclusive) Ex-Philippines President Duterte spotted in Causeway Bay amid ICC Warrant rumour: sources|url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/229459/(Exclusive)-Ex-Philippines-President-Duterte-spotted-in-Causeway-Bay-amid-ICC-Warrant-rumour:-sources|access-date=March 14, 2025|work=The Standard|publisher=The Standard Newspaper Publishing Ltd.|date=March 8, 2025}} Salvador Panelo, Duterte's former presidential legal counsel, stated that his trip was solely to thank supporters in Hong Kong at a Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) campaign sortie. He added that he would join Duterte the following day.{{cite news|author=Politiko|title=Natunugan? Rody Duterte Flies to Hong Kong Amid ICC Arrest Warrant Rumors, but Panelo Says He's Meeting OFWs|url=https://politiko.com.ph/2025/03/08/natunugan-rody-duterte-flies-to-hong-kong-amid-icc-arrest-warrant-rumors-but-panelo-says-hes-meeting-ofws/daily-feed/|access-date=March 14, 2025|work=Politiko|publisher=MCD Multimedia Corporation|date=March 8, 2025}} The Philippine government did not confirm at the time whether the ICC had issued an arrest warrant but stated, "If Interpol will ask the necessary assistance from the government, it is obliged to follow" and that "the government is prepared in any eventuality".

On March 9, Duterte attended a PDP campaign sortie organized by the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) at the Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai, where he promoted his party's slate of senatorial candidates.{{cite news|last1=Kong|first1=Harvey|last2=Hung |first2=Emily|title=Duterte tells Filipinos in Hong Kong he never committed crimes against humanity|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3301660/former-philippine-leader-duterte-hong-kong-event-amid-icc-probe|access-date=March 14, 2025|work=South China Morning Post|publisher=South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd.|date=March 9, 2025}} Others who attended the sortie include Vice President Sara Duterte and Senators Bong Go and Robin Padilla, as well as senatorial candidates Vic Rodriguez, Raul Lambino, Rodante Marcoleta, Jimmy Bondoc, and Phillip Salvador. Senator Ronald dela Rosa was expected to attend but was unable to, while a standee for jailed pastor and KOJC founder Apollo Quiboloy, a senatorial candidate, was displayed on the campaign stage.{{cite news|last=Magsambol|first=Bonz|title=At HK event, Sara hints at 2028 presidential bid as impeachment trial looms|url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/hong-kong-sara-duterte-hints-2028-presidential-bid-impeachment-trial-looms/|access-date=March 9, 2025|work=Rappler|publisher=Rappler Inc.|date=March 9, 2025|quote=The Duterte campaign team confirmed to Rappler that reelectionist Senators Bong Go and Bato dela Rosa are also in Hong Kong. Both senators were key players in the former president's drug war campaign.}}{{cite news|author=Politiko|title=Hong Kong to Rody Duterte: Keep politics out of your visit|url=https://politiko.com.ph/2025/03/09/hong-kong-to-rody-duterte-keep-politics-out-of-your-visit/snitch-network/|access-date=March 14, 2025|work=Politiko|publisher=MCD Multimedia Corporation|date=March 9, 2025|quote=He also mentioned detained religious leader Apollo Quiboloy, with his standee making an appearance onstage.}} Most of the attendees were female overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). In his speech, Duterte acknowledged the rumored arrest warrant, expressing both defiance toward the ICC and readiness to face arrest. Jokingly, he added that the crowd could contribute "$5 or $10" each to fund a monument of himself beside a José Rizal statue in Davao City.{{cite news|last=Servallos|first=Neil Jayson|title=Sara Duterte Joins Father In HK For Sortie|url=https://www.onenews.ph/articles/sara-duterte-joins-father-in-hk-for-sortie|access-date=March 14, 2025|work=OneNews.PH|publisher=TV5 Network Inc.|date=March 10, 2025}}

From March 10 to the morning of March 11, hundreds of police officers were deployed at Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City, the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, and Metro Manila. The Manila Times reported that this was in preparation for the possible arrest of a high-profile but unidentified individual, widely speculated to be Duterte, who was set to return to the Philippines from Hong Kong.{{cite web |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/03/11/news/police-prepared-for-major-arrest/2070459|title=Police prepared for 'major' arrest|website=The Manila Times|last=Baroña|first=Franco Jose C.|date=March 11, 2025|access-date=March 11, 2025}}{{cite web|date=March 10, 2025|title=Police deny having warrant for Duterte|url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/police-deny-having-warrant-for-duterte|access-date=March 11, 2025|publisher=SunStar}} Prior to Duterte's return to the Philippines, his group had booked five separate flights back to the country in order to confuse authorities upon arrival.

Rumors circulated that Duterte had sought political asylum in China. However, Sara Duterte stated that her father had not been in contact with Chinese officials during his stay.{{cite news |title=VP Sara Duterte denies ex-Pres. Rodrigo Duterte sought asylum in China |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/3/11/vp-sara-duterte-denies-ex-pres-rodrigo-duterte-sought-asylum-in-china-2351 |access-date=March 12, 2025 |work=ABS-CBN News |date=March 11, 2025}}

On March 11, more than 300 police officers, led by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Rommel Marbil and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director Nicolas Torre, were deployed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in anticipation of Duterte's arrival from Hong Kong.{{cite news|last=Tupas|first=Emmanuel|title=Duterte arrested, put on flight to ICC|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/03/12/2427748/duterte-arrested-put-flight-icc|access-date=March 14, 2025|work=Philstar.com|publisher=Philstar Global Corp.|date=March 12, 2025}} At 09:20 PHT (UTC+08:00), Duterte arrived at NAIA on Cathay Pacific Flight 907.{{cite web|url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1245792|title=ICC warrant served: Palace says Duterte now under police custody|work=Philippine News Agency|last=Esguerra|first=Darryl John|date=March 11, 2025|access-date=March 11, 2025}} While Duterte was waiting for his wheelchair, retired general Anthony Alcantara, executive director of the Philippine Center on Transnational Crimes, met him on the plane, informed him of the ICC-issued warrant and escorted him to the jet bridge. There, Alcantara, Department of Justice prosecutor general Richard Fadullon and Special Envoy on Transnational Crime Markus Lacanilao (Interpol's representative) arrested him with the support of PNP officers.{{cite news|last=Bolledo|first=Jairo|title=Inside story: Rodrigo Duterte's ICC arrest|url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/inside-story-rodrigo-duterte-icc-arrest/|access-date=March 14, 2025|work=Rappler|publisher=Rappler Inc.|date=March 13, 2025}}{{cite news|last1=Reyes|first1=Dempsey|last2=Mangosing|first2=Frances|last3=Aning|first3=Jerome|last4=Santos|first4=Tina G.|title=From 'tokhang' to The Hague: Duterte handed over to ICC|url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/266824/from-tokhang-to-the-hague-duterte-handed-over-to-icc|access-date=March 20, 2025|newspaper=Inquirer News|publisher=INQUIRER.net|date=March 12, 2025|location=Manila, Philippines}} The reading of Miranda rights was postponed at the request of Duterte's party, which insisted that they be read only in a more secure location so that Duterte would not be taken into custody.{{cite AV media|author=ANC 24/7|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bo67-qaBMg|title=PALACE PRESSER: PNP, DOJ set record straight on legality, use of force claims in Duterte arrest |ANC|date=March 14, 2025|website=YouTube|publisher=Google LLC|access-date=March 14, 2025}}{{cite news|last=Panaligan|first=Rey G.|title=SC asked to stop enforcement of ICC's arrest warrant vs ex-Pres Duterte|url=https://mb.com.ph/2025/3/11/sc-asked-to-stop-enforcement-of-icc-s-arrest-warrant-vs-ex-pres-duterte|access-date=March 11, 2025|work=Manila Bulletin|publisher=Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation|date=March 11, 2025|quote=Department of Justice Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon said the ICC arrest warrant was served to Duterte by Philippine Center for Transnational Crime (PCTC) Executive Director Anthony Alcantara.}}{{cite news|last1=Baroña|first1=Franco Jose C.|last2=Vergara|first2=Benjamin L.|last3=Valente|first3=Catherine S.|title=Duterte arrested for crimes vs humanity|url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/03/11/news/duterte-arrested-for-crimes-vs-humanity/2070667|access-date=March 11, 2025|work=The Manila Times|publisher=The Manila Times Publishing Company, Inc.|date=March 11, 2025|location=Manila, Philippines}} Lawyers Salvador Medialdea and his wife, Maria Bertola "Betty" D. Medialdea, both former cabinet officials during Duterte's presidency, were present during his arrest.{{cite news|last=Bolledo|first=Jairo|title=PNP disputes Dutertes: Authorities not violent during ex-president's ICC arrest|url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/pnp-statement-duterte-arrest-authorities-violent/|access-date=March 11, 2025|work=Rappler|publisher=Rappler Inc.|date=March 11, 2025|location=Manila, Philippines}} Duterte's daughter, Kitty, livestreamed his arrest, while his common-law wife, Avanceña, tried to dissuade him from complying with police authorities, calling them "abusive" and claiming they had no warrant.{{cite web|last=Ombay|first=Giselle|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/938889/honeylet-avance-a-calls-rodrigo-duterte-s-arrest-abusive/story/|title=Honeylet Avanceña calls Rodrigo Duterte's arrest 'abusive'|publisher=GMA News Online|date=March 11, 2025|access-date=March 11, 2025}}

Aside from the Medialdeas, Duterte's other lawyers, aides, and doctors were prevented from approaching him when he was taken into police custody.{{cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/rodrigo-duterte-manila-philippines-icc-9b9d08b8832b43282db53418535fb245 |title=Former President Rodrigo Duterte arrested in the Philippines on an ICC warrant over drug killings |publisher=AP News |last1=Gomez |first1=Jim |date=March 11, 2025 |access-date=March 11, 2025}} Senator Go, who arrived separately from Duterte, and lawyer Silvestre Bello III informed the media at the airport about Duterte's detention and separation from his aides.{{cite web|author=GMA News Online|title=Ambush interview kina Sen. Bong Go at Atty. Silvestre Bello|url=https://www.facebook.com/gmanews/videos/panoorin-ambush-interview-kina-sen-bong-go-at-atty-silvestre-bello-matapos-ang-p/1883299182495730/|website=Facebook|publisher=Meta Platforms, Inc.|access-date=March 14, 2025|language=Filipino, English|date=March 11, 2025}}

Go stated that police denied his request to see Duterte despite his claim that an ambulance was already waiting for Duterte's planned medical checkup. According to Torre and former senator Antonio Trillanes, however, Duterte had a private jet already waiting for him at NAIA when he arrived. Most of the police officers escorting Duterte out of the airport were women, per a request from Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who anticipated potential outbursts from Duterte against male officers.

The PNP later placed its regional units and national support on heightened alert, starting March 11, in anticipation of potential protests and civil disturbances following Duterte's arrest.{{cite web|last=Sigales|first=Jason|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2043056/pnp-on-heightened-alert-after-rodrigo-dutertes-arrest|title=PNP on 'heightened alert' after Rodrigo Duterte's arrest|publisher=Inquirer.net|date=March 11, 2025|access-date=March 12, 2025}}

Following his arrest, Duterte was taken to Villamor Air Base,{{cite web |url=https://manilastandard.net/news/314567216/rody-brought-to-villamor-airbase.html |title=Rody brought to Villamor Airbase |publisher=Manila Standard |date=March 11, 2025 |access-date=March 11, 2025 }}{{cite web |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2042784/bong-go-asks-nation-to-pray-for-ex-president-rodrigo-duterte |title=Bong Go asks nation to pray for ex-President Rodrigo Duterte |publisher=Inquirer.net |last1=Abarca |first1=Charie |date=March 11, 2025 |access-date=March 11, 2025}} where he and his family were housed in Maharlika Hall within the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing. They were joined by the Medialdea couple, lawyer Martin Delgra III, retired general Filmore B. Escobal and former NICA director Alex Paul Monteagudo.{{cite news|last=Marzan|first=Joseph Bernard A.|title='HE HAD IT COMING': Ex-Pres. Duterte Arrested for Crimes Against Humanity|url=https://dailyguardian.com.ph/he-had-it-coming-ex-pres-duterte-arrested-for-crimes-against-humanity/|access-date=March 18, 2025|work=The Daily Guardian|date=March 12, 2025|quote=Former NICA Director General Alex Paul Monteagudo shares photos of former President Rodrigo Duterte following his arrest[...]}}{{cite news|last1=Montemayor|first1=Jocelyn|last2=Reyes|first2=Victor|title=DUTERTE ARRESTED: ICC issues arrest warrant for crimes against humanity|url=https://malaya.com.ph/news/national-news/duterte-arrested-icc-issues-arrest-warrant-for-crimes-against-humanity/ |access-date=March 18, 2025|work=Malaya Business Insight |quote=At around 7 p.m, retired police general and former National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) director general Alex Paul Monteagudo, a known supporter of Duterte, posted on Facebook pictures of Duterte on an oxygen [sic], sleeping on a couch.|date=March 12, 2025}} During his detention, Duterte was allowed to sleep in a room next to the hall. Torre read Duterte his Miranda rights and presented a printed copy of the arrest warrant. Despite Torre's repeated insistence, Duterte refused to comply with the booking procedure. Senator Go arrived at Villamor with former government officials Bello, Lorraine Badoy-Partosa, and Trixie Cruz-Angeles, but was denied entry to the air base.{{cite news|last=Abarca|first=Charie|title=Ex-president Rodrigo Duterte craves, gets pizza upon arrival|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2042942/fwd-rodrigo-duterte-cravings|access-date=March 12, 2025|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=March 11, 2025|language=en}}{{cite news|url=https://mb.com.ph/2025/3/11/bong-go-asks-public-for-prayers-after-ex-president-duterte-s-arrest|title=Bong Go asks public for prayers after ex-president Duterte's arrest|first=Dhel|last=Nazario|date=March 11, 2025|accessdate=March 11, 2025|work=Manila Bulletin}}{{cite news|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2042942/fwd-rodrigo-duterte-cravings|title=Ex-president Rodrigo Duterte craves, gets pizza upon arrival|first=Charie|last=Abarca|date=March 11, 2025|accessdate=March 11, 2025|website=INQUIRER.net}}

Duterte's standoff with PNP officials over his refusal to leave for The Hague in the Netherlands lasted approximately 12 hours. During an attempt to separate Duterte from his family, his daughter Kitty tried to push through a group of police officers to reach his room. Avanceña then struck a SAF officer on the head with her smartphone, allegedly in response to being separated from her daughter. The SAF officer was later hospitalized but soon recovered. Towards the end of the standoff, Duterte's legal counsel, Salvador Medialdea, attempted to block the PNP from escorting Duterte to a coaster bound for a jet headed to the Netherlands at Villamor. When Medialdea challenged Torre to detain him, Torre briefly handcuffed him for obstruction of justice and read him his Miranda rights. Medialdea soon acquiesced, and when Torre made moves to arrest Delgra as well, Duterte submitted and boarded the coaster to the jet.

In later interviews, Torre stated that the PNP accommodated nearly all of Duterte's requests, including food, medical attention,{{cite AV media|author=ABS-CBN News|title=CIDG chief Nicolas Torre III says former President Rodrigo Duterte's doctors arrived, and he was even given an ECG, refuting claims he was denied medical attention.|url=https://www.facebook.com/abscbnNEWS/videos/torre-remulla-belie-claims-duterte-was-denied-medical-care/644225701541665/|website=Facebook|publisher=Meta Platforms, Inc.|access-date=March 21, 2025|date=March 20, 2025|time=0:24|quote=}} and legal counsel, except for his request not to be taken to The Hague.{{cite news|last=Bajo|first=Anna Felicia|title=Duterte not deprived of counsel, food, medicine when arrested —CIDG|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/939193/rodrigo-duterte-arrest-nicolas-torre-pnp-cidg-kitty-duterte-villamor-airbase/story/|access-date=March 14, 2025|work=GMA News Online|publisher=GMA Network Inc.|date=March 13, 2025}} When Torre asked Avanceña for Duterte's medical conditions, prescribed medicines and possible list of allergies, she declined to answer.{{cite news|last=Uson|first=Melanie|title=DILG chief Jonvic Remulla details what happened behind the scenes of Duterte's ICC arrest|url=https://philstarlife.com/news-and-views/598301-dilg-chief-jonvic-remulla-behind-the-scenes-rodrigo-duterte-icc-arrest|access-date=March 21, 2025|work=Philstar Life|publisher=Philstar Global Corp.|date=March 15, 2025}} According to Torre and PNP spokesperson Jean Fajardo, the PNP exercised "maximum tolerance" throughout Duterte's arrest and detention, prohibiting officers from making physical contact with him and instructing them not to retaliate against any verbal or physical assault from his party.

For the Philippine government, the process of securing flight permits from other countries for Duterte's chartered plane was a difficult task. Some countries such as Vietnam, Oman and the United Arab Emirates took hours before they responded to the request, with the latter two having shortened their working hours in accordance with Ramadan.

On Facebook, lawyer and PDP senatorial candidate Raul Lambino falsely claimed that a temporary restraining order (TRO) had been issued by the Supreme Court for police authorities, which would have prevented them from bringing Duterte to The Hague.{{cite news|last1=Conejos|first1=Jaff|last2=Baron|first2=Gabriela|title=Lambino walks back livestream claim on Digong's arrest TRO|url=https://tribune.net.ph/2025/03/13/lambino-walks-back-livestream-claim-on-digongs-arrest-tro|access-date=March 20, 2025|work=Daily Tribune|publisher=Concept and Information Group, Inc.|date=March 13, 2025}} KOJC lawyer Israelito Torreon went to the court at night with Lambino to allegedly confirm the TRO's issuance and receive the hard copy.{{cite news|last=Buan|first=Lian|title=Cornered, Dutertes turned to fake TRO to try and stop plane to ICC|url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/duterte-camp-turned-fake-temporary-restraining-order-try-stop-plane-icc/|access-date=March 20, 2025|work=Rappler|publisher=Rappler Inc.|date=March 15, 2025|location=Manila, Philippines}} Although he later recanted his claim, Lambino was soon disparaged by lawmakers for spreading false information, with the Supreme Court itself stating that it will investigate how the false TRO claim had spread.{{cite news|last=Clapano|first=Jose Rodel|title=House leaders call for punishment of lawyer spreading 'fake news'|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/03/16/2428700/house-leaders-call-punishment-lawyer-spreading-fake-news|access-date=March 20, 2025|work=Philstar.com|publisher=Philstar Global Corp.|date=March 16, 2025|location=Manila, Philippines}}{{cite news|last=Galvez|first=Daphne|title=SC to probe fake news about arrest TRO|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/03/19/2429453/sc-probe-fake-news-about-arrest-tro|access-date=March 20, 2025|work=Philstar.com|publisher=Philstar Global Corp.|date=March 19, 2025|location=Manila, Philippines}}

After a delay of a few hours due to revisions in the manifest (Avanceña declined to join Duterte, allegedly citing a lack of a passport despite having traveled to Hong Kong with him),{{Cite news|last1=Villaruel|first1=Jauhn Etienne|last2=Caparas|first2=Jeff|title='Wala daw passport': Honeylet declined to join Duterte to The Hague|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/3/13/-wala-daw-passport-honeylet-declined-to-join-duterte-to-the-hague-1836|publisher=ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs|date=March 13, 2025|accessdate=March 14, 2025}} a government-chartered Gulfstream G550 jet departed Manila at 23:03 PHT (UTC+08:00) carrying Duterte, his legal counsel Medialdea, and his party. The jet, leased from the Office of the President of the Philippines, made a layover at Al Maktoum International Airport in the United Arab Emirates before landing at Rotterdam The Hague Airport in the Netherlands at 4:54 p.m. local time the next day.Multiple references:{{Bulleted list|{{cite news|title=Duterte touches down in the Netherlands to face ICC drug war case|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/3/12/drug-war-victims-relatives-renew-call-for-justice-after-ex-pres-dutertes-arrest-2354|access-date=March 12, 2025|work=ABS-CBN|date=March 12, 2025|language=en}}|{{cite news|last=Ombay|first=Giselle|title=Rodrigo Duterte now headed for The Hague airport after Dubai layover|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/938991/rodrigo-duterte-hague-rotterdam/story/|access-date=March 12, 2025|work=GMA News Online|date=March 12, 2025|language=en}}|{{Cite web|date=March 11, 2025|title=Former Philippine President Duterte arrested, flown to The Hague|url=https://www.independent.co.ug/former-philippine-president-duterte-arrested-flown-to-the-hague/|access-date=March 11, 2025|website=The Independent Uganda|language=en-US}}|{{cite news|last=Abarca|first=Charie|title=Chartered plane carrying Rodrigo Duterte in Dubai for refueling stop|url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/266871/chartered-plane-carrying-rody-duterte-arrives-in-dubai-for-refueling-stop|access-date=March 12, 2025|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=March 12, 2025|language=en}}}}

President Bongbong Marcos held a press conference minutes after Duterte's plane departed Villamor Air Base, clarifying that the arrest was carried out not on behalf of the ICC (which the Philippines is not a member of), but in cooperation with Interpol. Marcos emphasized that the Philippines, as part of the international community, must uphold its commitments and responsibilities.{{cite news|last=Cupin|first=Bea|title=Politics in Duterte arrest? Marcos says 'gov't doing its job' |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/marcos-jr-addresses-nation-march-2025/|access-date=March 18, 2025|work=Rappler|publisher=Rappler Inc.|date=March 12, 2025|location=Manila, Philippines}}

Widespread protests and mass actions, both in support of and against Duterte, were held across the Philippines and abroad following his arrest. Pro-Duterte protests were held mostly in Mindanao and the Visayas.{{cite web |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/939105/rodrigo-duterte-supporters-protest-assemble-visayas-mindanao-arrest-icc/story/ |title=Rodrigo Duterte supporters in the Visayas, Mindanao protest arrest of former president |publisher=GMA News Online |date=March 13, 2025 |access-date=March 13, 2025 }}{{cite web |title=Protests erupt across Philippines following Duterte's ICC arrest |url=https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/protests-erupt-across-philippines-following-dutertes-icc-arrest/ |website=Mindanao Times |language=en |date=March 14, 2025 |access-date=March 16, 2025 }}

{{main|Demonstrations in support of Rodrigo Duterte}}

File:Bong Go and pro-Duterte protesters doing the fist in 2025.jpg (center) poses with protesters making the "Duterte fist" gesture at the Araw ng Dabaw (Davao Day) rally in Davao City on March 16, 2025]]

File:Protest against the arrest of Rodrigo Duterte in The Hague 02.jpg in The Hague, Netherlands, on March 23, 2025]]

Shortly after Duterte's arrest was announced, people gathered outside the gates of Villamor Air Base in Pasay, where he was detained, to protest his arrest and criticize the government.{{cite web |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/3/11/supporters-condemn-dutertes-arrest-criticize-the-government-1510 |title=Supporters condemn Duterte's arrest, criticize the government |publisher=ABS-CBN News |last1=Tan |first1=Marie |date=March 11, 2025 |access-date=March 11, 2025 }} In Manila, nearly 1,000 supporters gathered at Liwasang Bonifacio in support of Duterte on March 15, while a motorcade was held in different parts of Metro Manila.{{cite web |title=Duterte supporters gather in Manila, call for his return |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/939397/duterte-supporters-gather-in-manila-call-for-his-return/story/ |website=GMA News Online |language=en |date=March 15, 2025 |access-date=March 15, 2025}} Another motorcade rally from different parts of the metro was held on March 16. Other cities in Luzon that held demonstrations include Angeles City and Baguio.

In Duterte's hometown, Davao City, hundreds of Duterte's supporters, including city and barangay officials, held a candlelight rally at Rizal Park.{{cite web |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2025/03/11/prrd-supporters-hold-candlelight-rally-at-rizal-park-davao-city |title=PRRD supporters hold candlelight rally at Rizal Park, Davao City |publisher=Daily Tribune |last1=Develos |first1=Jon |date=March 11, 2025 |access-date=March 11, 2025 }}{{cite web |title='My prayers answered': anger and relief in Philippines over Duterte's arrest |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3302035/anger-and-relief-philippines-over-rodrigo-dutertes-arrest-my-prayers-answered |website=South China Morning Post |language=en |date=March 12, 2025}} Thousands of Davao residents rallied for Duterte during the cityhood festivities on March 16.{{cite web |title=WATCH: Davao City residents march in black at Araw ng Dabaw, Manila and Kalibo riders hold motorcades |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/939436/rodrigo-duterte-rally-motorcade-icc-arrest-davao-kalibo-manila-quezon-city/story/ |website=GMA News Online |language=en |date=March 16, 2025 |access-date=March 16, 2025 }} In Iligan, hundreds of protesters gathered along Roxas and Quezon Avenues, with former Iligan mayor Franklin Quijano and lawyer Manuel Salibay urging Iliganons to call for Duterte's release.{{cite web |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2043070/duterte-sympathizers-stage-prayer-rally-in-iligan-city |title=Duterte sympathizers stage prayer rally in Iligan City |publisher=Inquirer.net |last1=Umel |first1=Richel V. |date=March 11, 2025 |access-date=March 13, 2025 }} In Cotabato City, an estimated 4,000 supporters staged a unity walk in the city's plaza and held a prayer rally. Prayer rallies were held in General Santos and Kidapawan. Hundreds more assembled across Mindanao, including in the cities of Bansalan, Bislig, Bongao, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Digos, Isulan, Jolo, Koronadal, Marawi (Ground Zero), Midsayap, Pagadian, Panabo, Tacurong, Tagum, and Zamboanga City, and in the provinces of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.

In the Visayas, supporters in Cebu City, Iloilo City, and Mandaue protested. A motorcade rally was held in Kalibo on March 16.

Many protesters at these rallies sang Filipino patriotic songs and "Try That in a Small Town" by American singer Jason Aldean, an anthem for Diehard Duterte Supporters.

Across various online platforms and among Overseas Filipino Workers, calls have emerged for Duterte's return to the Philippines.

Students from the University of the Philippines Diliman staged a rally within the university at noon on the day of Duterte's arrest. Later, they joined various progressive groups led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), along with relatives of victims of reported extrajudicial killings under the Duterte administration, at the Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City to call for Duterte's imprisonment.{{Cite web |last=Argosino |first=Faith |date=March 11, 2025 |title=Groups, kin of EJK victims call for Rodrigo Duterte imprisonment |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/266750/groups-families-of-ejk-victims-seek-rodrigo-duterte-imprisonment |access-date=March 11, 2025 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Aquino |first=Lyza |date=March 11, 2025 |title=Families of EJK victims welcome Duterte's arrest |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/3/11/families-of-ejk-victims-welcome-dutertes-arrest-1857 |work=ABS-CBN News}} Outside Metro Manila, BAYAN also organized political demonstrations in Baguio, Cebu City, and Iloilo City.{{cite web |last=Limon |first=Charles Nikko |date=March 13, 2025 |title=PROTESTERS, DEMAND DUTERTE'S ACCOUNTABILITY FOR ALLEGED DRUG WAR KILLINGS; FPRRD, FLOWN TO THE NETHERLANDS |url=https://www.rngph.com/protesters-demand-dutertes-accountability-for-alleged-drug-war-killings-fprrd-flown-to-the-netherlands/ |website=Regional News Group Luzon}}{{Cite news |last=Padronia |first=Earl Kim |date=March 11, 2025 |title= Duterte's arrest sparks divided response in Cebu |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/dutertes-arrest-sparks-divided-response-in-cebu |newspaper=SunStar}}{{Cite news |last1=Castor |first1=Rjay Zuriaga |last2=Laurente |first2=Joy |date=March 13, 2025 |title= Victims, rights groups hail Duterte's arrest |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/03/13/regions/victims-rights-groups-hail-dutertes-arrest/2072101 |newspaper=The Manila Times}} Additionally, BAYAN led rallies, candlelight vigils, and prayers in The Hague, Hong Kong, New York City, Vancouver, and Washington, D.C.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-03-21 |title=Protests held abroad after Duterte's arrest |url=https://www.bulatlat.com/2025/03/21/protests-held-abroad-after-dutertes-arrest/ |access-date=2025-03-30 |website=Bulatlat |language=en-US}}{{cite news |author= |date=March 12, 2025 |title=OFWs picket Consulate to laud Duterte's arrest |url=https://www.sunwebhk.com/2025/03/ofws-picket-consulate-to-laud-dutertes.html |newspaper=The SUN }}{{Cite web |last=Pangan |first=Jay-Vee Marasigan |date=March 18, 2025 |title=Anti-Duterte protesters march from ICC to detention center |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/pinoyabroad/dispatch/939601/anti-duterte-protesters-march-from-icc-to-detention-center/story/ |access-date=March 21, 2025 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Lugay |first=Elton |date=March 16, 2025 |title= Fil-Ams split over Duterte's arrest: Critics, supporters hold rallies |url=https://usa.inquirer.net/168331/fil-ams-split-over-dutertes-arrest-critics-supporters-hold-rallies |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}{{Cite news |last=Burgos |first=Nestor |date=March 16, 2025 |title= Fil-Canadian groups welcome Duterte's ICC arrest, call for justice |url=https://usa.inquirer.net/168303/fil-canadian-groups-welcome-dutertes-icc-arrest-call-for-justice |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}{{cite news |author= |date=March 18, 2025 |title=DC activists gather to celebrate Duterte arrest |url=https://fightbacknews.org/articles/dc-activists-gather-to-celebrate-duterte-arrest |newspaper=Fight Back! }}{{citation overkill|date=April 2025}}

Students from the Ateneo de Manila University, together with several groups including Akbayan, Mamamayang Liberal, and Tindig Pilipinas, held a rally and noise barrage along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City on the afternoon of Duterte's arrest, expressing support for the ICC's action and demanding accountability and justice for victims of extrajudicial killings.{{cite web|author=Rappler|title=Several groups including Akbayan Partylist, Mamamayang Liberal, and Tindig Pilipinas hold a noise barrage|url=https://www.facebook.com/rapplerdotcom/posts/pfbid02Ex82D8i7cUhZqkQFZ9RGcCJWvJdjvYFdkX69fvcaG6b4Mb8F3HjsqHc4dwjC5kyFl|website=Facebook|publisher=Meta Platforms, Inc.|date=March 11, 2025}}{{cite web|author=The Philippine Star|title=Students, together with progressive groups from Ateneo de Manila University, stage a protest rally|url=https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineSTAR/posts/pfbid02yMXtyDLiVga8er1YV9ErWoFrvs1f2AMckEDWDC8opT8hMmmc6wWXPkNf9uqrYkkml|website=Facebook|publisher=Meta Platforms, Inc.|date=March 11, 2025}}

The trade union federation Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO) led an anti-Duterte peace caravan in General Santos on March 16. The demonstration called for accountability, justice, and the protection of human rights for marginalized fisherfolk who suffered during Duterte's administration.{{Cite news |last=Gorgonio |first=Gilbert |date=March 16, 2025 |title= Anti-Duterte peace caravan held in GenSan to demand justice, accountability |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2025/03/16/anti-duterte-peace-caravan-held-in-gensan-to-demand-justice-accountability |newspaper=Daily Tribune}}

The progressive group Partido Lakas ng Masa also staged a demonstration at the Welcome Rotonda on March 19, urging the Marcos administration to decisively break from the Duterte administration's oppressive policies and human rights violations.{{cite news |author= |date=March 19, 2025 |title=BREAKING BAD |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/03/19/photos/breaking-bad/2076247 |newspaper=The Manila Times }}{{cite web|author=The Philippine Star|title=Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM) senatorial candidate Ka Leody de Guzman leads the political party's members during a demonstration rally|url=https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineSTAR/posts/pfbid02vUYvfLMK24AUmpd2nU3iVi9F7aefQwaTCaVf3d9wY3rwMRhLNcCzV3LSvzAHyAQkl|website=Facebook|publisher=Meta Platforms, Inc.|date=March 19, 2025}}

A mass in honor of victims of the drug war was celebrated at Cubao Cathedral in Quezon City by Program Paghilom, a human rights organization that supports victims' families.{{Cite news |last=Lalu |first=Gabriel Pabico |date=March 11, 2025 |title=Families of EJK victims welcome Duterte's arrest |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2042929/fwd-priests-tells-those-who-downplayed-ejk-victims-calls-for-justice-remember-march-11 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}

File:Bong Go and Sara Duterte outside Villamor Air Base in 2025.jpg and Vice President Sara Duterte address the press outside Villamor Air Base, where Rodrigo Duterte was detained, on March 11, 2025.]]

File:Sara Duterte speaks to supporters at The Hague (cropped).png

Salvador Panelo, the former chief presidential legal counsel and presidential spokesperson of Rodrigo Duterte, lambasted Duterte's arrest as unlawful, stating that the Philippines was no longer a member of the ICC.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp9ykn85401o |title=Philippines ex-leader Duterte arrested on ICC warrant over drug killings |publisher=BBC |last1=Guinto |first1=Joel |date=March 11, 2025 |access-date=March 11, 2025 }} The Supreme Court, to which he is answerable as an "officer of the court", had previously ruled that the country remained obliged to cooperate with the ICC regarding events leading up to its withdrawal.{{cite news |author=Lian Buan |title=Supreme Court: Philippines obliged to cooperate with ICC |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/supreme-court-decision-philippine-government-cooperate-international-criminal-court/ |work=Rappler |date=July 21, 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Ratcliffe |first1=Rebecca |title=Rodrigo Duterte's lawyers demand he is returned to the Philippines after ICC arrest |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/12/rodrigo-duterte-philippines-former-president-arrest-update |website=The Guardian |language=en-gb |date=March 12, 2025}}

Duterte's daughter, Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, criticized the Philippine government while announcing that her father would be flown to the International Criminal Court.{{cite news|last=Chi|first=Cristina|title=VP Sara says father Rodrigo Duterte 'forcibly taken' to The Hague|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/03/11/2427650/vp-sara-says-father-rodrigo-duterte-forcibly-taken-hague/|work=Philstar.com|date=March 11, 2025}} In her statement, she considered her father's detention to be "a blatant affront to our sovereignty and an insult to every Filipino who believes in our nation's independence".{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/12/philippine-vp-sara-duterte-travels-to-the-hague-to-help-father-at-icc|title=Philippine VP Sara Duterte travels to The Hague to help father at ICC|publisher=Al Jazeera |date=March 12, 2025 |access-date=March 12, 2025}} She labeled his arrest as "state kidnapping".{{cite news |last1=Chi |first1=Cristina |title=Inside the 12-hour Facebook blitz that framed Duterte's ICC arrest as 'kidnapping' |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/03/18/2429039/inside-12-hour-facebook-blitz-framed-dutertes-icc-arrest-kidnapping |access-date=March 19, 2025 |work=Philstar.com |date=March 18, 2025}} While on a flight to the Netherlands on March 12, Vice President Duterte changed her profile pictures on Facebook and X to a digital red ribbon containing the text "BRING PRRD HOME 👊🏻".{{cite news|last=Antonio|first=Raymund|title='Bring PRRD home': VP Sara changes Facebook photos after father's ICC arrest|url=https://mb.com.ph/2025/3/12/bring-prrd-home-vp-sara-changes-socmed-photos-after-father-s-icc-arrest|access-date=March 15, 2025|work=Manila Bulletin|publisher=Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation|date=March 12, 2025}}

Duterte's son and Davao City mayor Sebastian Duterte alleged on Facebook that his father was being denied medical care while in custody and that the government was trying to get him to board a plane without disclosing the destination. The Philippine government maintained that Duterte was in good condition.{{cite web |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/3/11/-they-re-trying-to-murder-the-old-man-duterte-denied-of-medical-care-says-son-baste-1356 |title='They're trying to murder the old man': Duterte denied of medical care, says son Baste |publisher=ABS-CBN News |last1=Punzalan |first1=Jamaine |last2=Hernandez |first2=Zen |date=March 11, 2025 |access-date=March 11, 2025}}

On March 14, 2025, Sara Duterte publicly disclosed that she would not return to the Philippines for an unspecified period, stating that she would focus on forming her father's legal team.{{cite news|url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/267937/vp-duterte-to-form-ex-pres-dutertes-legal-team-before-returning-to-ph|title=VP Duterte to form Ex-Pres Duterte's legal team before returning to PH|first=Luisa|last=Cabato|publisher=The Philippine Inquirer|date=March 14, 2025|accessdate=March 15, 2025}} The next day, Sara stated that she would not return to her country until another family relative arrived in the Netherlands to accompany her father.{{cite news|url=https://manilastandard.net/news/314569127/vp-wont-return-to-ph-until-next-of-kin-arrives.html|title=VP won't return to PH until next of kin arrives|first=Rachelle|last=Tonelada|publisher=Manila Standard|date=March 15, 2025|accessdate=March 15, 2025}} On April 7, 2025, she returned to the Philippines.{{cite news|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250407-sara-duterte-back-in-philippines-after-month-with-detained-father|title=Sara Duterte back in Philippines after month with detained father|publisher=France 24|date=April 7, 2025|accessdate=April 14, 2025}}

Sebastian Duterte has alleged that search warrants have been issued for the residences of his father and other members of the Duterte family, which the PNP has denied. In a statement in the Netherlands on March 16, Sara Duterte stated that she expected evidence against her family to be planted during a police search.{{Cite web |last=Peralta-Malonzo |first=Third Anne |date=March 16, 2025 |title=Sara Duterte expects planting of evidence in Duterte homes |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/sara-duterte-expects-planting-of-evidence-in-duterte-homes |access-date=March 17, 2025 |website=SunStar Publishing Inc. |language=en}}

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who is seeking recognition as legal counsel for Rodrigo Duterte at the ICC, reiterated Duterte's wish to be tried in the Philippines in a Facebook post. Roque stated that he anticipates receiving information regarding potential ICC arrest warrants against other individuals connected to Duterte's drug war, including Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who served as the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) from 2016 to 2018 during the peak of the drug war, and other former PNP chiefs. Roque, who has previously advised dela Rosa and other former PNP chiefs on ICC-related matters, highlighted the ICC's use of the term "co-perpetrator" in Duterte's warrant, suggesting that other high-ranking officials could also be identified as equally responsible for the alleged crimes.{{cite news |last1=Peñafuerte |first1=Andy |title=Harry expects to know warrants vs. 'co-perpetrators' once recognized as Duterte counsel |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/939546/harry-roque-icc-warrants-of-arrest-duterte-counsel/story/ |access-date=March 19, 2025 |work=GMA News |date=March 17, 2025}}

File:President Marcos' press conference on Duterte's arrest.jpg addresses the press minutes after Duterte's plane left for the Netherlands on March 11, 2025. Also participating in the press conference are Presidential Communications Office Secretary Jay Ruiz (left) and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla (right).]]

During a press conference held minutes after Duterte's plane departed for the Netherlands, President Bongbong Marcos denied allegations that Duterte's arrest was "political persecution", stating that the case had been initiated in 2017 while Duterte was president.{{cite news |last1=Cabato |first1=Luisa |title=Marcos: Arrest of Duterte not 'political persecution' |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/266800/marcos-arrest-of-duterte-not-a-political-persecution |access-date=March 13, 2025 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=March 12, 2025}} In a later interview, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla recalled that President Marcos was calm but "melancholic" about Duterte's arrest, with Marcos privately telling him, "Nobody should be happy. There is no reason to celebrate."

Duterte's arrest drew mixed reactions from majority bloc members of the Senate. Senate President Francis Escudero urged due process from the ICC and called for restraint, warning against using Duterte's arrest for political gain ahead of the 2025 election.{{cite news |last1=Abarca |first1=Charie |title=Escudero to candidates: Do not exploit Duterte arrest for political gain |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/266927/escudero-to-candidates-do-not-exploit-duterte-issue-for-political-gain |access-date=March 13, 2025 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=March 12, 2025}} Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada emphasized national unity, urging Filipinos to remain calm and avoid misinformation or violence. He noted that Duterte, as a lawyer, knows the legal steps to take.{{cite news |last1=Torregoza |first1=Hannah |title=Estrada calls for sobriety amid arrest of ex-president Duterte |url=https://mb.com.ph/2025/3/11/estrada-calls-for-sobriety-amid-arrest-of-ex-president-duterte |access-date=March 13, 2025 |work=Manila Bulletin |date=March 11, 2025}} Senator Imee Marcos, the incumbent president's sister, criticized the political divisions, saying Duterte's arrest only creates "chaos" and questioning whether it benefits ordinary Filipinos. She also expressed sympathy, noting his age.{{cite news |last1=Garner |first1=Jom |title=Imee on Duterte's arrest: We never learn |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2025/03/11/imee-on-dutertes-arrest-we-never-learn |access-date=March 13, 2025 |work=Daily Tribune |date=March 11, 2025}} Senator Marcos, who is seeking re-election, skipped an Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas campaign rally in Tacloban in protest of Duterte's arrest.{{cite news |title=Imee skips Bongbong Marcos-led campaign sortie, rejects Duterte arrest |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/3/14/imee-skips-bongbong-marcos-led-campaign-sortie-rejects-duterte-arrest-1504 |access-date=March 15, 2025 |work=ABS-CBN News |date=March 14, 2025}} On March 17, she directed the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, which she chairs, to conduct an investigation into Duterte's arrest "to establish whether due process was followed". The committee invited police, airport, and Department of Foreign Affairs officials to the investigation, which began on March 20.{{cite news |last1=Villaruel |first1=Jauhn Etienne |last2=Cruz |first2=RG |last3=Gutierrez |first3=Pia |title=Imee Marcos to launch Senate probe into Duterte arrest |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/3/17/imee-marcos-to-launch-senate-probe-into-duterte-arrest-1118 |access-date=March 18, 2025 |work=ABS-CBN News |date=March 17, 2025}} At least three hearings were made.{{cite news |last1=Cariaso |first1=Bella |title=Honeylet on Imee probe: Just pa-ekek |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/04/12/2435378/honeylet-imee-probe-just-pa-ekek |access-date=13 April 2025 |work=The Philippine Star |date=12 April 2025}}

Members of the House of Representatives' majority bloc, including party-list lawmakers, welcomed Duterte's arrest. Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr. stated that the ICC's action was based on evidence rather than politics, adding that Duterte could not evade justice indefinitely. {{Cite news |last=Javier |first=Paige|date=March 11, 2025 |title= Lawmakers welcome arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte|url= https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/3/11/lawmakers-welcome-arrest-of-former-president-rodrigo-duterte-1353 |work =ABS-CBN News}} House Deputy Majority Leader and La Union 1st District Representative Paolo Ortega described Duterte's arrest as a "significant step" toward delivering long-awaited justice to the victims of extrajudicial killings, urging Duterte to face his criminal charges instead of portraying himself as a victim. Ortega, along with Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro and Bataan 1st District Representative Geraldine Roman, suggested that the Philippines reconsider rejoining the ICC. Luistro argued that the ICC serves as a "court of last resort" if the Supreme Court cannot efficiently and effectively handle controversial issues and cases. Roman believed that the Marcos administration's commitment to upholding the rule of law means there is no reason to fear rejoining the ICC.{{Cite news |last=Oliquino |first=Edjen |date=March 11, 2025 |title= 'THE DAY OF RECKONING': House solons hails Digong arrest for 'crimes against humanity' |url= https://tribune.net.ph/2025/03/11/the-day-of-reckoning-house-solons-hails-digong-arrest-for-crimes-against-humanity |newspaper=Daily Tribune}}{{Cite news |last=de Leon |first=Dwight|date=March 12, 2025 |title= With Rodrigo Duterte arrested, some lawmakers believe it's time to rejoin ICC |url= https://www.rappler.com/philippines/lawmakers-say-time-manila-rejoin-international-criminal-court-duterte-arrest/|work=Rappler}}

House Assistant Majority Leaders Jude Acidre of Tingog Party List and Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur's 1st District also welcomed Duterte's arrest. Acidre responded to critics by asserting that Duterte's arrest under an ICC warrant does not compromise national sovereignty but rather seeks justice for the victims of extrajudicial killings. Adiong noted the irony that Duterte, who had previously mocked human rights and legal proceedings, is now receiving full legal protections under international justice mechanisms.{{Cite news |last=Cervantes |first=Filane Mikee |date=March 12, 2025 |title= ICC case about justice, not Duterte persecution – House leaders |url= https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1245925 |work= Philippine News Agency}}{{Cite news |last=de la Cruz |first=Jovee Marie|date=March 12, 2025 |title= Quad Committee leaders: Think of the EJK victims|url= https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/03/12/quad-committee-leaders-think-of-the-ejk-victims/ |newspaper=BusinessMirror}}

Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Ace Barbers, who chairs the Quad Committee, described Duterte's arrest as a "pivotal" step toward justice and a turning point for the aggressive tactics employed by police in the Duterte administration's war against drugs. Barbers revealed that the Quad Committee's investigation uncovered allegations that police officers were financially incentivized to kill drug suspects, encouraging them to maximize such actions.{{Cite news |last=Oliquino |first=Edjen |date=March 12, 2025 |title= House leaders welcome action|url= https://tribune.net.ph/2025/03/11/house-leaders-welcome-action |newspaper=Daily Tribune}}

Taguig 2nd District Representative Pammy Zamora, Zambales 1st District Representative Jay Khonghun, and Ako Bicol Representative Raul Angelo Bongalon declared Duterte's arrest a "victory for justice and accountability", emphasizing that the ICC warrant demonstrates that no one is above the law.{{Cite news |last=de Leon |first=Dwight|date=March 11, 2025 |title= 'Day of reckoning': Politicians react to Rodrigo Duterte's arrest over ICC drug war case |url= https://www.rappler.com/philippines/reactions-statements-politicians-rodrigo-duterte-arrest-icc-case/ |work=Rappler}}

The Philippine Commission on Human Rights stated that it was willing to cooperate with the ICC. It also said that persons who participated or were complicit in the human rights violations must be held accountable.{{Cite web |last=Gavilan |first=Jodesz |date=March 11, 2025 |title=CHR: All those involved in Duterte's drug war must be held responsible |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/commission-human-rights-statement-rodrigo-duterte-icc-arrest/ |access-date=March 20, 2025 |website=Rappler |language=en-US}}

Former senator Leila de Lima, who was previously imprisoned and later acquitted of drug charges by the Duterte administration, welcomed Duterte's arrest. She also stated that "Duterte now has to answer for his actions, not in the court of public opinion but before the rule of law".{{Cite news |title=De Lima to Duterte: It's your time to face charges |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2042783/duterte-must-answer-not-to-me-but-to-the-victims-the-world-de-lima |access-date=March 11, 2025 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}} During a press conference in Naga on March 16, de Lima appeared alongside former vice president Leni Robredo, who compared Duterte's situation with de Lima's seven-year imprisonment over what Robredo described as "trumped-up" charges. Robredo noted that Duterte's detention conditions were significantly better compared to de Lima's previous imprisonment.{{Cite news |last=Subingsubing |first=Krixia |date=March 16, 2025 |title= Dutertes crying for due process? Recall De Lima's ordeal, says Robredo |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2044221/dutertes-crying-for-due-process-recall-leilas-ordeal-says-robredo |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}

Former senator Antonio Trillanes, who filed a criminal complaint against Duterte at the ICC in 2017, described Duterte's arrest as "the first step toward achieving justice for the thousands who were killed" and called on Duterte to "purify his soul".{{Cite news |title=Trillanes on Rodrigo Duterte arrest: Use this time to purify soul|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2042813/trillanes-on-rodrigo-duterte-arrest-use-this-time-to-purify-soul |access-date=March 11, 2025 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}}

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros stated that Duterte's arrest marked the day that families of thousands of victims killed during Duterte's drug war had long awaited.{{Cite news |last=Abarca |first=Charie |date=March 11, 2025 |title= Hontiveros on Duterte arrest: 'Day of reckoning has come' |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/266667/hontiveros-on-duterte-arrest-day-of-reckoning-has-begun |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}} Hontiveros urged the government not to stop with Duterte but to pursue accountability for all involved. She reminded Duterte of his previous oath to face the legal process under the ICC.{{Cite news |last=Superable |first=Ram |date=March 11, 2025 |title= Duterte's arrest 'just the beginning' — Hontiveros |url=https://manilastandard.net/news/314567277/dutertes-arrest-just-the-beginning-hontiveros.html |newspaper=Manila Standard}}

Members of the House of Representatives' minority bloc, including party-list lawmakers, also lauded Duterte's arrest. GABRIELA Representative Arlene Brosas called it "a glimpse of hope" for the victims' families,{{Cite news |last=Manalo |first=Jown |date=March 11, 2025 |title=Castro: Duterte's arrest a reminder to hold rights violators accountable |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2042794/castro-dutertes-arrest-a-reminder-to-hold-rights-violators-accountable |access-date=March 18, 2025 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}} while House Minority Leader France Castro of ACT Teachers described it as "a concrete step towards accountability and justice" for victims of human rights abuses. Kabataan Representative Raoul Manuel remarked the arrest as "long overdue and well-deserved". Manuel pointed out that Duterte should be thankful for being calmly apprehended, unlike those who were executed without due process during his war on drugs.{{Cite news |last=Sornito |first=Ime |date=March 13, 2025 |title= Activists welcome arrest of former President Duterte |url=https://www.panaynews.net/activists-welcome-arrest-of-former-president-duterte/ |newspaper=Panay News}} Akbayan Representative Perci Cendaña declared that Duterte's "day of reckoning has come."{{Cite web |last=de Leon |first=Dwight |date=March 11, 2025 |title='Day of reckoning': Politicians react to Rodrigo Duterte's arrest over ICC drug war case |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/reactions-statements-politicians-rodrigo-duterte-arrest-icc-case/ |access-date=March 18, 2025 |website=Rappler |language=en-US}}

Former Akbayan representative Walden Bello of the Partido Lakas ng Masa described Duterte's arrest as a "monumental step" in providing justice to the victims of extrajudicial killings. Bello added that Duterte's arrest is the result of a rigorous legal process that offers the former president a fair trial, something Duterte's victims did not receive.{{cite web |last1=Goodman |first1=Amy |last2=Gonzalez |first2=Juan |date=March 12, 2025 |title="Monumental Step": Ex-Philippines Pres. Duterte Arrested, Sent to Hague for Crimes Against Humanity |url=https://www.democracynow.org/2025/3/12/walden_bello |website=Democracy Now!}} Meanwhile, Bello's fellow party member and labor leader Luke Espiritu expressed strong support for Duterte's arrest, accusing the former president of severely damaging the nation's values and character, and calling the arrest "just".{{Cite news |last=Sigales |first=Jason |date=March 11, 2025 |title= Luke Espiritu: Justice for Rodrigo Duterte actions must reach completion |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2042831/luke-espiritu-justice-for-rodrigo-duterte-actions-must-reach-completion |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}

The arrest was positively received by the surviving family members of drug war victims. Neri Colmenares, who serves as counsel for the victims, noted that the arrest is a welcome development that "sends a powerful message" and is an important step toward justice for the victims.{{Cite web |title=Duterte's arrest sends out 'powerful message'--Colmenares |url=https://mb.com.ph/2025/3/11/duterte-s-arrest-sends-powerful-message-colmenares |access-date=March 11, 2025 |website=Manila Bulletin |date=March 11, 2025 |language=en}} Kristina Conti, who serves as an assistant to counsel at the ICC, expressed hope that Duterte's arrest would lead to a trial.{{Cite web |last1=Casilao |first1=Joahna Lei |last2=Panti |first2=Llanesca |date=March 11, 2025 |title=ICC counsel: Drug war victims' kin hope Duterte arrest will lead to trial |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/938874/icc-counsel-drug-war-victims-kin-hope-duterte-arrest-will-lead-to-trial/story/ |access-date=March 14, 2025 |website=GMA News Online |language=en, tl}}

Lawyer Chel Diokno of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), who is running as a first nominee for Akbayan in the 2025 congressional elections, stated: "For decades, Duterte thought himself untouchable. But history catches up with even the most ruthless despots".{{Cite news |last=Roque |first=Robert |date=March 15, 2025 |title= MGA TINIG NANG PAGTUTUOS (Part 2) |url=https://remate.ph/mga-tinig-nang-pagtutuos-part-2/ |newspaper=Remate}} According to Diokno, an official government report recorded 20,322 drug-related deaths, of which 3,967 were attributed to law enforcement operations, while the remaining 16,355 were classified as vigilante killings.{{Cite news |last=Manalo |first=Jown |date=March 11, 2025 |title= The fall of 'The Punisher': Rodrigo Duterte's path to the ICC |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/266700/the-fall-of-the-punisher-rodrigo-dutertes-path-to-the-icc |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}

Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, called Duterte's arrest "a monumental step for justice". Callamard previously served as Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions under the United Nations Human Rights Council, which included conducting investigations in the Philippines. She was barred from visiting the country during Duterte's presidency.{{Cite web |title=Philippines: Former President Duterte's arrest a monumental step for justice|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/03/philippines-former-president-dutertes-arrest-a-monumental-step-for-justice/ |access-date=March 11, 2025 |website=Amnesty International |date=March 11, 2025 |language=en}}

The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines described the arrest as a "resounding message that crimes against humanity will not go unpunished".{{Cite web |last=Villaruel |first=Jauhn Etienne |date=March 12, 2025 |title=Duterte's arrest a 'warning' vs powerful abusers around the world: groups |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/3/12/dutertes-arrest-a-warning-vs-powerful-abusers-around-the-world-groups-1850 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250316100326/https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/3/12/dutertes-arrest-a-warning-vs-powerful-abusers-around-the-world-groups-1850 |archive-date=March 16, 2025 |access-date=March 19, 2025 |website=ABS-CBN News |language=en-US}} Human Rights Watch said that "Former President Duterte's arrest and transfer to The Hague is a long-overdue victory against impunity that could bring victims and their families a step closer to justice."

In a press statement, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines described Duterte's arrest as "a crucial step toward accountability", stating it "sets an important precedent for addressing past and future human rights violations in the Philippines".{{Cite news |title= CBCP to Duterte on arrest: Be ready to face consequences of your actions|url= https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2043217/cbcp-to-duterte-on-arrest-be-ready-to-face-consequences-of-your-actions/amp |access-date=March 12, 2025 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}} In contrast, the Archbishop of Davao, Romulo Valles, said "Justice…must be pursued with fairness and integrity. It must remain free from partisan political motivations or personal vendettas", and offered prayers for Duterte and his family while reiterating calls for accountability.{{Cite news |date=March 19, 2025 |title=Catholic Church is anti-Duterte? Not the Archdiocese of Davao |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/archdiocese-davao-statement-rodrigo-duterte-arrest/ |access-date=March 22, 2025 |work=Rappler |language=en}} The Iglesia ni Cristo criticized Duterte's arrest and said he should have been tried in the Philippines. It also accused the Marcos administration of "politicking" and failing to listen to the group's calls for "peace, unity, and the need to first address the problems of our country and our countrymen".{{Cite news |date=March 21, 2025 |title=Iglesia ni Cristo opposes Duterte arrest, hits Marcos government |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/iglesia-ni-cristo-opposes-duterte-arrest-international-criminal-court/ |access-date=March 22, 2025 |work=Rappler |language=en}}

=== International ===

• {{flag|China}} – On March 11, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the ICC "should strictly follow the principle of complementarity, exercise its functions and powers prudently in accordance with the law and prevent politicization or double standards".{{cite news |title=Australia issues travel advisory against PH amid security concerns |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/china-foreign-ministry-reaction-rodrigo-duterte-arrest-march-2025/ |access-date=March 12, 2025 |work=Rappler |date=March 12, 2025}} On March 24, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that China received an application for asylum from Duterte or his family.{{cite web |title=Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on March 24, 2025 |url=https://www.mfa.gov.cn/eng/xw/fyrbt/202503/t20250324_11580922.html |website=www.mfa.gov.cn |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China |access-date=26 March 2025 |date=24 March 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Cupin |first1=Bea |title=Can China grant asylum? Beijing says they didn't get Duterte's application |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/china-response-rodrigo-duterte-asylum-application/ |access-date=26 March 2025 |work=Rappler |date=25 March 2025}}
• {{flag|Malaysia}} – Former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged double standards in its handling of Duterte’s case. He questioned why the ICC acted against Duterte while seemingly not taking similar action against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mahathir stated, "International law is only applicable when the person is not powerful enough to resist or deny the right of the ICC."{{Cite web |last=Dzulqarnain |first=Qistina Nadia |date=2025-03-21 |title=Dr M slams ICC over 'double standards' in Duterte, Netanyahu cases |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/737884 |access-date= |website=Malaysiakini}}
• {{flag|United Nations}} – At a press conference, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani stated that they have "long documented the severe human rights impacts of the so-called war on drugs in the Philippines".{{cite news |title=UN acknowledges ICC arrest warrant against former president Rodrigo Duterte |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLU5PBes6Co |access-date=March 12, 2025 |date=March 12, 2025 |work=Inquirer.net |location=YouTube}} UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk welcomed the arrest, saying that the "extremely serious charges against [Duterte] will now be addressed fairly and independently, in full accordance with the law".{{Cite news |date=March 12, 2025 |title=Philippines: Türk says arrest of former President Duterte is important step toward accountability |url=https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/03/philippines-turk-says-arrest-former-president-duterte-important-step-toward-accountability |access-date=March 21, 2025}}

{{main|International Criminal Court investigation in the Philippines#Court proceedings}}

Duterte appeared via videolink before the ICC for the first time on March 14, during which he was informed of the charges against him.{{Cite web |date=March 14, 2025 |title=Rodrigo Duterte makes first ICC appearance |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/3/14/rodrigo-duterte-makes-first-icc-appearance-2153 |access-date=March 14, 2025 |website=ABS-CBN |language=en}} He is set to be arraigned in The Hague on charges of crimes against humanity at the ICC and will remain in custody at the ICC section of the United Nations Detention Unit while awaiting trial.{{Cite web |last=Gavilan |first=Jodesz |date=March 11, 2025 |title=Philippines sends Rodrigo Duterte to International Criminal Court |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/sends-rodrigo-duterte-international-criminal-court-march-2025/ |access-date=March 11, 2025 |website=Rappler |language=en}} The confirmation of charges is scheduled for September 23, 2025.{{Cite news |date=March 14, 2025 |title=ICC sets Duterte confirmation of charges hearing Sept. 23 |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/267873/icc-sets-duterte-confirmation-of-charges-hearing-sept-23-interim-release-possible |access-date=March 15, 2025 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}} On March 18, Vice President Sara Duterte, who traveled to the Netherlands, announced that Medialdea and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque would no longer be part of her father's ICC defense team. The team will instead be led by British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, who has extensive ICC experience. Medialdea previously appeared before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber during Duterte's initial hearing, while Roque was not formally nominated to the team.{{cite news |last1=Hernandez |first1=Zen |title=Medialdea, Roque will not be part of Duterte's legal team, says VP Sara |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/3/18/medialdea-roque-will-not-be-part-of-dutertes-legal-team-says-vp-sara-0224 |access-date=March 19, 2025 |work=ABS-CBN News |date=March 19, 2025}}

The Philippine government states it will serve future warrants for the ICC if such are conveyed through Interpol.{{cite news |last1=Cupin |first1=Bea |title=If ICC arrest warrant comes for Bato, Malacañang will serve it |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/malacanang-response-bato-dela-rosa-icc-arrest-warrant/ |access-date=March 19, 2025 |work=Rappler |date=March 16, 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Delizo |first1=Michael |title=PNP says it will assist Interpol if more ICC arrest warrants are issued |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/3/17/pnp-says-it-will-assist-interpol-if-more-icc-arrest-warrants-are-issued-1609 |access-date=March 19, 2025 |work=ABS-CBN News |date=March 17, 2025}}

The ICC mentions nine other co-perpetrators of Rodrigo Duterte whose names are redacted in a document. Harry Roque mentioned that former police chief Ronald dela Rosa could be among them along with four other police heads.{{cite news |last1=Mendoza |first1=John Eric |title=ICC redacts Duterte's 9 'co-perpetrators'; Dela Rosa possibly included |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/268445/icc-redacts-dutertes-9-co-perpetrators-dela-rosa-possibly-included |access-date=March 19, 2025 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=March 17, 2025 |language=en}}

Following the Duterte's arrest, Dela Rosa declared he is willing to join Duterte in The Hague if all legal remedies are exhausted.{{cite news |last1=Gatchalian |first1=Ched Rick |title=Bato ready to join Duterte at The Hague 'if all legal options fail' |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/3/12/bato-ready-to-join-duterte-at-the-hague-if-all-legal-options-fail-1853 |access-date=March 19, 2025 |work=ABS-CBN News |date=March 12, 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Bordey |first1=Hana |title=Bato dela Rosa says he's ready to join Duterte |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/939054/bato-dela-rosa-rodrigo-duterte-arrest-icc-the-hague/story/ |access-date=March 19, 2025 |work=GMA News |date=March 12, 2025 |language=en}} However, Dela Rosa went to an undisclosed location within the Philippines.{{cite news |last1=Abarca |first1=Charie |title=Dela Rosa says he's in secret PH location |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/268812/fwd-bato-dela-rosa-still-in-ph-refuses-to-disclose-exact-location |access-date=March 19, 2025 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=March 19, 2025 |language=en}} He has considered hiding from authorities.{{cite news |title=Bato dela Rosa mulls hiding, not surrendering to ICC |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/939787/bato-dela-rosa-mulls-not-surrendering-to-icc/story/ |access-date=March 19, 2025 |work=GMA News |date=March 19, 2025 |language=en}}

{{See also|Fake news in the Philippines}}

Soon after Duterte's arrest, online propaganda emerged depicting Duterte as a victim or attacking drug war victims' families. The ICC and its judges were subjected to online attacks, while coordinated disinformation questioned the ICC's jurisdiction and the legality of the arrest. Other types of false information and flawed arguments were also widely shared.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-03-26 |title=Journalists expose disinformation machinery on Duterte's ICC arrest |url=https://cmfr-phil.org/media-ethics-responsibility/journalism-review/journalists-expose-disinformation-machinery-on-dutertes-icc-arrest/ |access-date=2025-06-13 |website=Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility |language=en}}

Within 12 hours of the arrest, 200 Facebook pages and accounts posted identical texts that accused police of kidnapping Duterte, even before Duterte lawyers made similar claims. Similar posts were shared on pro-Duterte Facebook pages, as well as on entertainment fan pages.

• {{annotated link|Impeachment of Sara Duterte}}
• {{annotated link|Martial law under Ferdinand Marcos}}
• {{annotated link|Trial of Joseph Estrada}}
• {{annotated link|Arrest of Apollo Quiboloy}}
• {{annotated link|Arrest of Yoon Suk Yeol}}
• {{annotated link| Indictments against Donald Trump}}

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