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Duterte in prison: Justice for the victims of the drug war!
Former President Duterte arrested in The Hague: Insights into the fatal consequences of his drug war in the Philippines.
Duterte in prison: Justice for the victims of the drug war!
On September 3, 2025, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in Manila. This arrest was made pursuant to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity related to its brutal “war on drugs.” According to reports from Amnesty International it is a significant development that is perceived as a ray of hope for justice. Julia Duchrow, secretary general of Amnesty International in Germany, stressed the need to bring suspected perpetrators, including heads of government, to justice.
During his years in office, Duterte waged a brutal war on drugs that had devastating effects in the region. The Payatas district in Greater Manila, where many people live in poverty and survive on garbage, is particularly affected. Residents there collect recyclable items to sell to recycling companies. The drug problem is widespread in the region and Duterte's brutal methods have led to an estimated 30,000 deaths, with addicts, messengers and small-time dealers often murdered in front of their children. Survivors live in fear and trauma while neighbors avoid them out of fear, according to the report Michael's Covenant noted.
The consequences of the drug war
The brutality of the drug war has profound psychological impacts on communities. Widows, orphans and mothers now see themselves as relatives of murder victims and not as relatives of petty criminals. Despite the massive violence, Duterte did little to combat the major drug dealers, who continue to operate unhindered and make high profits. Meanwhile, numerous organizations, such as the Vincentian Religious, show commitment by providing psychological assistance as well as income support projects and scholarships for children in Payatas.
The situation is particularly worrying as many children in the region express a desire to become lawyers to fight against the injustice they experience every day. Initiatives to support these children and combat the trauma they have suffered appear to be of utmost importance.
A process of historical dimension
Duterte's arrest in Manila marks a pivotal moment in efforts to seek justice for the victims of his policies. Amnesty International is calling on Philippine authorities to transfer Duterte to The Hague to ensure a fair trial while continuing to investigate other perpetrators. Further developments in this matter will be closely followed as it has the potential to have far-reaching implications for criminal justice and human rights protection in the Philippines.