**Duterte Departures: Ex-President Faces ICC Over Drug War Atrocities**

**Duterte's journey to face accusations of crimes against humanity marks a pivotal moment in Philippine politics and human rights accountability.**

A plane carrying former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte departed Manila for The Hague following his arrest, prompted by an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity tied to his controversial "war on drugs." Duterte, 79, was taken into custody at Manila's international airport shortly after arriving from Hong Kong, where he had been campaigning for a position in the mid-term elections. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured that the country was fulfilling its international obligations, indicating that Duterte would confront the charges surrounding his brutal anti-drug campaign.

Duterte has long defended his actions during his presidency, which witnessed the deaths of over 6,000 individuals—predominantly small-time drug users and dealers—culminating in widespread condemnation from various human rights organizations. Duterte's daughter Sara, who is now the vice president, has stated that the arrest represents a persecution of her father. In response to the ICC warrant, Duterte has openly questioned the legitimacy of the charges and indicated a willingness to stand trial in the Philippines.

As Duterte is taken to face charges in The Hague, public reactions remain divided. While some of his supporters expressed sorrow and labeled the arrest unjust, activists and human rights advocates celebrated it as a "historic moment" in the fight for accountability regarding the alleged state-sponsored violence that marked Duterte's rule. Political analysts noted that the arrest signals a shifting landscape in Philippine politics, especially as tensions grow between the Marcos and Duterte factions, previously allies in the political arena.

Over the years, Duterte's anti-narcotics campaign attracted significant international scrutiny, often highlighted by reports of extrajudicial killings and alleged human rights violations. The ICC's ongoing investigation into these matters points to a systematic disregard for human rights during his administration. Despite his departure from power, Duterte's influence remains prominent, with continuing public support from segments of the population, particularly among those from his home region of Mindanao who feel economically marginalized.

As Duterte embarks on this new chapter in his life, the implications for Philippine governance, human rights, and the political landscape remain uncertain, with many watching closely to see how this unprecedented legal confrontation unfolds.