MANILA, Philippines – Former United Nations human rights expert Agnes Callamard hailed the arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, calling it a “hopeful sign” for victims and a “huge moment” for international law.
Callamard, a longtime critic of Duterte, urged the Philippine government to fully cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and surrender Duterte to The Hague for trial.
Callamard: ‘Justice Will Prevail’
“At a time when too many governments renege on their ICC obligations while others attack or sanction international courts, Duterte’s arrest is a huge moment for the power of international law,” said Callamard, who now serves as Amnesty International’s secretary general.
She emphasized that Duterte’s arrest sends a strong message that even government leaders accused of grave crimes can be held accountable.
“Duterte’s arrest on an ICC warrant is a hopeful sign for victims in the Philippines and beyond,” she added.
Calls for the Philippines to Rejoin the ICC
Callamard urged Manila to rejoin the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, after the Duterte administration withdrew from the treaty in 2019.
She insisted that accountability should not stop with Duterte, suggesting that other Philippine officials may also face ICC charges.
“The ICC investigation covers only some of the crimes committed over the past decade. The Philippines must cooperate fully, including if further arrest warrants are issued against other former and current officials.”
Duterte’s Arrest and ICC Case
Duterte was arrested upon arrival from Hong Kong and taken into police custody, later being transferred to Villamor Air Base for examination before his extradition to The Hague.
The ICC’s probe covers drug war-related killings from November 2011 to March 2019, including Duterte’s time as Davao City mayor and President of the Philippines.
While official police records cite over 6,000 drug-related deaths, human rights groups estimate a much higher toll, prompting international legal action.
Call for Fair Trial and Legal Rights
Despite her firm stance against Duterte, Callamard stressed that the former president must be “strictly afforded all fair trial guarantees and legal rights” during the proceedings.
With Duterte now facing the ICC, his arrest marks a historic moment in international justice, with global attention now on how Manila will handle the case moving forward.