The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that former president Rodrigo Duterte was arrested Tuesday, March 11, upon his arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from Hong Kong.

In a statement, the PNP said it assisted the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC) in implementing an Interpol Notice for Duterte after the International Criminal Court issued a warrant of arrest against him for his alleged crimes against humanity.

Duterte is the subject of an ICC investigation over his controversial drug war, where thousands of drug suspects were killed.

"To ensure a peaceful and orderly process the PNP deployed 379 personnel at NAIA and other key locations," the PNP statement read.

PNP Chief, Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, along with Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director, Police Major General Nicolas Torre III, supervised security measures at the airport.

Torre read the Miranda Rights to Duterte after he was brought to Villamor Air Base’s Kalayaan Hall from NAIA, informing him of his rights to remain silent and to have competent and independent counsel.

"The PNP remains committed to assisting in lawful processes while maintaining peace and order. In fulfilling this role, the organization upholds its duty to enforce the law with professionalism and adherence to due process," the statement read.

The PNP urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation.

"Furthermore, the PNP strongly cautions against the spread of fake news and advises the public to rely only on official government sources for accurate information," it added.