Philippines: Ex-president Duterte arrested upon arriving in Manila

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on Tuesday in Manila over his "war on drugs", a controversial policy that killed thousands of Filipinos when he was in office.

Duterte returned to the Philippines on Tuesday by plane from Hong Kong. He said on Monday in Hong Kong that he was ready to be arrested if the ICC issued a warrant.

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Duterte's "war on drugs" was a signature policy after he swept to power in 2016 after vitriolic, crime-busting campaign vows to kill narcotics dealer.

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Human rights groups claim that Philippine police and vigilantes under their direction murdered unarmed drug suspects on a massive scale on Duterte's watch, allegations that authorities have denied.

The ICC has said it would pursue an investigation of suspected crimes against humanity.

While Duterte subsequently withdrew the Philippines from the ICC, the government under new leader Marcos has indicated Duterte could be handed over.

"Our law enforcers are ready to follow what law dictates, if the warrant of arrest needs to be served because of a request from Interpol," Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro told reporters on Monday.