PRESS STATEMENT | The Department of Justice (DOJ) assures the public that the arrest of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on March 11, 2025, strictly adhered to domestic and international legal procedures. The execution of the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant of arrest, which was received by the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime (PCTC) from INTERPOL, followed established protocols to ensure due process and the protection of the former President’s rights.
The warrant of arrest was issued by the Pre-Trial Chamber of the ICC for the crime against humanity of murder under Article 7(1)(a), in relation to Article 25(3)(a), of the Rome Statute. Despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC in 2019, the country remains a member state of INTERPOL. In addition, the arrest was carried out by Filipino Law Enforcement Agents as a matter of comity and mutual cooperation in the international community. Finally, under Section 17 of Republic Act No. 9851, otherwise known as Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity, the Philippines may surrender suspected or accused persons in the Philippines to the appropriate international court for crimes punished by the said law, including crimes against humanity.
INTERPOL has played a crucial role in many cases pursued by the DOJ involving subjects who have fled the country in attempts to evade accountability. It is through INTERPOL that we are able to solve crime on a global scale – a trend that the Philippines has fallen victim to in many ways. Thus, cooperation with INTERPOL is imperative.
Upon receipt of the copy of the warrant of arrest from INTERPOL, the Philippine National Police (PNP), in the presence of DOJ prosecutors, carried out the arrest at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as the former President arrived from Hong Kong. DOJ prosecutors were present to observe the process and attest to its legality, ensuring that the arrest complied with both local and international standards. INTERPOL Manila, PCTC and the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) ensured that the operation proceeded with minimal disruption, while law enforcement authorities formally informed Duterte of his rights and the nature of the charges against him in accordance with Article 59 of the Rome Statute. Moreover, due courtesy and consideration were accorded to the former President and his entourage in the course of the implementation.
The Department of Justice confirms that the arrest was conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner. There were no incidents of resistance or disorder during the process, demonstrating the professionalism of our law enforcement agencies and the commitment to upholding due process. The former President was treated in accordance with the law, and all procedural safeguards were observed to protect his rights.
