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March 14, 2025 – Philippines –
In March 2025, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in Manila and transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity. The ICC alleges that Duterte is responsible for the murder of at least 43 individuals between 2011 and 2019, linked to his controversial “war on drugs” during his tenure as mayor of Davao City and later as president from 2016 to 2022. Human rights organizations estimate that the total death toll from this campaign could exceed 30,000, many of whom were victims of extrajudicial killings.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate and journalist Maria Ressa has long been a vocal critic of Duterte’s administration, particularly its use of social media to spread disinformation and suppress dissent. Ressa, co-founder of the independent news outlet Rappler, has faced multiple legal challenges and threats due to her reporting on Duterte’s policies. She welcomed Duterte’s arrest, viewing it as a significant step toward accountability and a reaffirmation of the international rules-based order.
Ressa has consistently highlighted the dangers of disinformation, emphasizing how social media platforms can be weaponized to undermine democratic institutions. She warns that the tactics employed in the Philippines are now being replicated globally, posing a threat to democracies worldwide.
The ICC has scheduled a confirmation of charges hearing for Duterte in September 2025. This development marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the drug war and underscores the importance of upholding human rights and press freedom in the face of authoritarian challenges.
Reference –
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rappler-news-ceo-maria-ressa-60-minutes-interview-2019-11-10/
https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2025/0314/philippines-icc-duterte-drugs
