How Ilonggos Reacted to Duterte’s Arrest

By Mariela Angella Oladive, Rjay Zuriaga Castor, and Glazyl M. Jopson

The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte on March 11 has sparked mixed reactions among residents and various sectors in Iloilo City.

Duterte was apprehended in Manila upon his return from Hong Kong.

The arrest was carried out based on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which accuses him of crimes against humanity related to his administration’s war on drugs from 2016 to 2022.

The campaign allegedly resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings (EJKs).

Public response has been sharply divided.

Supporters view the arrest as politically motivated, while human rights advocates see it as a step toward justice for drug war victims.

Following his arrest, Duterte was extradited to The Hague, Netherlands, to face trial at the ICC.

For 22-year-old Matt Gonzaga, a student activist from Iloilo City, the development was long overdue.

“We welcome the news of Duterte’s arrest. As part of the youth sector, we demand justice, and he must be held accountable for his crimes against the people,” he told Daily Guardian.

Gonzaga emphasized the need for accountability, particularly for the thousands of lives lost during Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which he claimed disproportionately affected impoverished communities, including those in Iloilo.

Similarly, Ruth, a 62-year-old resident, expressed relief.

“We are truly happy that former President Duterte has finally been arrested. At the very least, this is one step toward justice for the victims of extrajudicial killings and the war on drugs during his administration,” she said.

However, many have opposed the arrest.

Rich Piad, 45, a staunch Duterte supporter, questioned how authorities handled the situation.

“If you look at it, many were really shocked, especially our solid Duterte group. He was arrested without a hard copy of the warrant at first—it was only given later—so he was essentially taken by force,” she said.

A 57-year-old female shake vendor and Duterte supporter said his leadership brought stability.

“I’m sad that he was arrested. During his time, people were more afraid of drugs and crime,” she said, adding that she felt safer under his administration.

Meanwhile, a 75-year-old ambulant bread vendor took a neutral stance.

“Duterte’s arrest is all about political rivalry. I have no comment. For me, his anti-drug campaign was okay, but the issue with Duterte goes beyond that,” he said.

City Councilor Sympathizes with Duterte’s Family

Iloilo City Councilor Romel Duron expressed sympathy for Duterte’s family following his arrest on charges of crimes against humanity.

Duron clarified that while he does not condone Duterte’s actions, he understands the emotional toll on his family.

“I am not siding with Duterte, but I sympathize with his family. In any way, he has helped the country, although he did something wrong,” he said in a privilege speech during the council’s regular session on March 12.

Duron also questioned why no cases were filed against Duterte after his term ended in 2022, when he was no longer immune from prosecution.

“I just wonder why the government took so long to file a case against him. Three years is long enough to gather evidence and file charges against the former president,” he said.

The councilor emphasized the legal principle of presumption of innocence, stating that individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty.

He also questioned the actions of various committees that investigated Duterte’s drug war and alleged extrajudicial killings.

“What happened to the hearings of the four committees? What evidence did they gather? Did they just hide those? Why were they not forwarded to the Department of Justice for proper assessment and filing?” he asked.

Mabilog Calls for Reflection, Not Celebration

Former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said Duterte’s arrest should not be a moment of celebration but a time for deep reflection on justice, healing, and faith.

“For many years, my family and I walked through a valley of trials and tears,” Mabilog said, recalling the hardships he endured after Duterte accused him of being a “drug protector” in 2016.

He described living in fear for their safety and the emotional toll it took on his late mother.

“I believe this is not only a moment for justice to be served but also a time for our nation to heal—to confront the truth, right the wrongs, and choose love, compassion, and unity over hate and division,” he said.

Mabilog, who went into self-imposed exile in 2017, returned to the Philippines in September 2024 after being granted asylum in the United States.

Though Duterte repeatedly labeled Mabilog a drug protector, no formal charges related to illegal drugs were ever filed against him.

Benitez: Duterte Must Defend Himself in Court

“This is his day to prove his innocence.”

This was the statement of Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez when asked about Duterte’s arrest.

Benitez, in a media interview on March 12, said the former president is being given due process.

The ICC issued the arrest warrant, and the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime, along with the Philippine National Police, served it upon Duterte’s arrival in Manila from Hong Kong.

The charges stem from his administration’s campaign against illegal drugs.

Benitez declined to comment further, saying all accused individuals have their day in court.