Manila: Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers stated that the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, following a warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC), marks a significant step toward accountability and healing for families affected by extrajudicial killings during his administration's war on drugs. Barbers, who serves as the overall chair of the House of Representatives Quad Committee that investigated the extrajudicial killings, emphasized that Duterte's arrest is a move toward justice for the families who lost loved ones due to these acts.

According to Philippines News Agency, the arrest warrant was received by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) Manila from the ICC early Tuesday. Duterte was arrested upon his return from Hong Kong and now faces charges of crimes against humanity at the ICC, with human rights groups reporting that more than 30,000 people died in the drug war.

Barbers expressed that Duterte's arrest is a powerful reminder that no one is above the law and could aid in restoring public trust in the country's justice system. He urged that recognizing past mistakes and delivering justice to victims is essential for the nation to heal and move forward.

In a separate statement, House Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. stated that the arrest demonstrates the international community's stance against crimes against humanity and the necessity for those responsible for extrajudicial killings to answer for their actions. Gonzales dismissed claims from Duterte's allies that the arrest was politically motivated, emphasizing that the ICC's actions are based on evidence and not political agendas.