Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has arrived in the Netherlands, where he is set to face legal proceedings over his controversial war on drugs, which led to thousands of deaths during his tenure.
Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022, oversaw a brutal anti-drug campaign that resulted in widespread extrajudicial killings, sparking international outrage and allegations of crimes against humanity.
His arrival in the Netherlands marks a significant moment in the global pursuit of justice for alleged human rights violations committed under his administration.
The former leader’s visit comes in response to legal action initiated at the International Criminal Court (ICC), where prosecutors have been investigating claims that the Philippine government sanctioned unlawful killings in its war on drugs.
While Duterte has repeatedly dismissed the charges as politically motivated, human rights organizations and victims’ families have long called for accountability.
As he touched down in the Netherlands, protests erupted both in support and against the former president, with his loyalists insisting that he was only enforcing law and order, while critics demanded justice for the thousands of victims.
Duterte’s legal team is expected to challenge the ICC’s jurisdiction, citing the Philippines’ withdrawal from the court in 2019. However, ICC prosecutors argue that crimes committed before the country’s exit remain within their mandate.
The international community is closely watching the proceedings, as Duterte’s case could set a precedent for holding world leaders accountable for human rights abuses.
Meanwhile, back in the Philippines, the political landscape remains divided, with his supporters rallying behind him and opposition groups calling for full accountability.
The former president’s fate now lies in the hands of international judges, as the world awaits the next chapter in one of the most controversial drug crackdowns in modern history.