An online petition urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to release former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has gained significant traction, amassing over 470,000 signatures as of March 19.
Launched on change.org, the petition titled “Rage Against the Deception of the World! Free the Asian, Filipino Duterte!” calls for Duterte’s return to the Philippines, arguing that his case should be handled by the country’s legal system. The campaign has drawn widespread support from his followers, who claim he is being treated unfairly.
Duterte, who is facing charges over his controversial war on drugs, made his first appearance before the ICC on March 14, 2025. His arrest has sparked outrage among his supporters, many of whom have flooded the ICC’s social media pages with comments denouncing the case as unjust.
“Bring him back to the Philippines. The Filipino people love him for what he did for his country,” one supporter wrote. Others praised his leadership, calling him the “best president” the country has ever had.
The ICC has yet to issue an official response to the petition. Duterte remains in custody in The Hague as legal proceedings continue.
