MANILA, March 11: Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has remained defiant over his controversial “war on drugs,” even as the International Criminal Court (ICC) pursues an investigation into his role in overseeing a bloody anti-drug campaign that killed thousands of Filipinos during his 2016-2022 presidency.

Duterte, who turns 80 later this month, was arrested on Tuesday at Manila’s main airport upon his arrival from Hong Kong at the request of the ICC. The court is investigating suspected crimes against humanity linked to Duterte’s drug war, which saw the deaths of at least 6,284 people by government count. Rights groups, however, have reported that between 12,000 and 30,000 people may have been killed, many of them unarmed drug suspects, as part of a systematic campaign of extrajudicial killings allegedly facilitated by Philippine police and vigilantes.

Earlier this week, Duterte, who has long been unapologetic about his actions, told supporters in Hong Kong that he was ready to face arrest and defend his legacy, saying, “What is my sin? I did everything in my time for peace and a peaceful life for the Filipino people.” Duterte, who made a name for himself as the mayor of Davao, had promised to bring his harsh style of law enforcement to the entire country when he ran for president in 2016. His approach, characterized by violent crackdowns on suspected criminals, resonated with many Filipinos, leading to his election with 40% of the vote.

During his presidential campaign, Duterte famously declared, “Forget the laws on human rights. If I make it to the presidential palace, I will do just what I did as mayor. You drug pushers, hold-up men and do-nothings, you better go out. Because I’d kill you.” He also vowed to “dump all of you (criminals) into Manila Bay, and fatten all the fish there.”

The Philippine government has always denied the allegations of extrajudicial killings, asserting that many deaths occurred during legitimate police operations in shootouts. However, the ICC launched a formal investigation into the matter in September 2021, which was suspended shortly after at the request of the Philippine government, which claimed it was conducting its own investigations. In January 2023, the court resumed its inquiry, rejecting the Philippine government’s appeal to halt the investigation.

Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC’s founding treaty in 2019, citing the court’s probe into the drug war. He has been unapologetic about his actions, stating, “I have nothing to hide. What I did, I did it for my country and for the young people. No excuses. No apologies. If I go to hell, so be it.”

A populist figure, Duterte drew comparisons to global leaders like Donald Trump, known for their assertive, often combative rhetoric. He shifted Philippine foreign policy away from traditional alliances, notably turning his back on the country’s long-standing relationship with the United States while courting China. Duterte’s approach to China included deferring to Beijing’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, even as the Philippines won a ruling in 2016 from an international tribunal rejecting China’s sweeping claims.

Despite a controversial presidency, Duterte’s tenure saw improvements in areas such as urban governance and infrastructure in Davao, his hometown. He was credited with reducing crime in Davao, though critics argued that this was due to the existence of death squads targeting drug pushers and petty criminals. Human rights organizations claim that at least 1,400 people were killed by vigilante groups in Davao since 1998.

Duterte’s political legacy also includes his daughter Sara Duterte, who was elected vice president in 2022, and his successor, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of the late dictator. However, the alliance between the Duterte and Marcos families has recently unraveled, with Sara Duterte facing impeachment proceedings for alleged budget anomalies and corruption. An impeachment trial may begin in June, though Sara Duterte has appealed to the Supreme Court and denied the allegations, calling the impeachment politically motivated.

Despite his controversies, Duterte remains an influential figure in Philippine politics, with his hardline stance on crime and drug use still resonating with many citizens. As his legal battles with the ICC continue, Duterte’s defiance of international law and his commitment to his policies remain central themes of his post-presidential life.