A whisper of fear has turned into a roar of controversy in the Philippines. Vice President Sara Duterte has claimed she is on the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest list, a shocking statement that comes as her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, sits in a cell in The Hague, facing charges of crimes against humanity. Her words have sent shockwaves through the nation, raising questions about who else might be in the ICC’s sights and what this means for a country already grappling with political turmoil.
A Father’s Arrest and a Daughter’s Fear
On March 10, 2025, Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in Manila and swiftly flown to The Hague to face ICC charges tied to his brutal anti-drug campaign. The campaign, which ran during his presidency from 2016 to 2022, left thousands dead—over 7,000 by police records, though human rights groups estimate up to 30,000, including killings by unknown assailants, some later revealed as police officers Al Jazeera. The ICC, which began investigating in 2018, maintains jurisdiction over these alleged crimes despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the court in 2019.
Sara Duterte, who has been vocal in her support for her father, revealed her concerns in a media interview. She said she began to suspect she was on the ICC’s radar after her visits to her father in The Hague were restricted, with all conversations recorded. “I’m on the list; there are many of us on the ICC list,” she declared, naming Senators Bato dela Rosa and Bong Go, as well as retired generals Oscar Albayalde and Vicente Danao, as others who might also be targeted. The ICC has not confirmed or denied her claim, leaving it as a bold but unverified assertion.
A Nation Divided
Sara Duterte’s statement comes at a time of deep political division. Once allies, the Duterte and Marcos families are now locked in a bitter feud. Sara, who ran alongside President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the 2022 election, faces an impeachment trial over allegations, including a reported claim of hiring someone to kill Marcos if she were assassinated—a claim she denies Verfassungsblog. The Marcos administration’s cooperation with the ICC, facilitated through Interpol, marks a stark departure from its earlier stance of shielding Rodrigo Duterte Lowy Institute.
Human rights advocates have hailed Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest as a step toward justice. “His arrest could bring victims and their families closer to justice and sends the clear message that no one is above the law,” said Bryony Lau, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch Al Jazeera. Yet, Sara Duterte has called the arrest an “affront to our sovereignty and an insult to every Filipino who believes in our nation’s independence,” echoing sentiments of those who view the ICC’s actions as foreign interference.
A Political Powder Keg
The Philippines is at a crossroads. Sara Duterte’s claim, whether true or not, adds fuel to an already volatile situation. Her impeachment trial, the upcoming midterm elections, and the ongoing ICC proceedings create a perfect storm of uncertainty. The claim also raises questions about the scope of the ICC’s investigation. Are other high-profile figures truly at risk, as Sara suggests? Or is her statement a strategic move to rally support amid her own political battles?
For now, the ICC remains focused on Rodrigo Duterte, who appeared via video link at a hearing on March 14, 2025, looking frail but defiant AP News. Meanwhile, Sara Duterte continues to support her father, traveling to The Hague and speaking out against what she calls “oppression and persecution” NPR.
What Lies Ahead
As this drama unfolds, the eyes of the world are on the Philippines. Sara Duterte’s claim has yet to be substantiated, but it underscores the high stakes of the ICC’s pursuit of justice and the deep divisions within the country. Will more arrests follow? How will the Marcos administration navigate this crisis? And what does this mean for the victims of the drug war, who still seek closure?
The answers remain unclear, but one thing is certain: the Duterte family’s saga is far from over, and its ripples will be felt across the Philippines and beyond.
Key Data Points
Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
Rodrigo Duterte’s Arrest | March 10, 2025 | Arrested in Manila, flown to The Hague for ICC charges. |
Sara Duterte’s Claim | Unspecified (recent) | Stated in a media interview she believes she’s on ICC’s arrest list. |
ICC Investigation Start | 2018 | Began probing Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. |
Philippines’ ICC Withdrawal | 2019 | Withdrew, but ICC retains jurisdiction for prior crimes. |
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