Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was taken into custody and transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday. Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022, has faced international scrutiny for his administration’s anti-drug campaign, which has been linked to numerous extrajudicial killings. The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Duterte, alleging crimes against humanity, including murder.
After his arrest in Manila, authorities transferred Duterte to an aircraft bound for Rotterdam, Netherlands, where the ICC tribunal is based.
In an official statement, the ICC confirmed that “Mr. Rodrigo Roa Duterte… was surrendered to the custody of the International Criminal Court.” Officials stated that the arrest adhered to both international law and Philippine legal processes.
A post from Bong Go’s official Facebook Page mentions that FPPRRD’s plane has landed in Rotterdam The Hague Airport on March 12, 11:53pm Philippine Time)
Duterte Addresses Allegations
In a video shared on social media following his arrival at The Hague, Duterte defended his actions during his tenure and assumed responsibility for the anti-drug campaign. “I am the one who led our law enforcement and military,” said the 79-year-old former leader. “I said that I will protect you and I will be responsible for all of this.”
Duterte’s anti-drug efforts once enjoyed strong domestic support but have faced criticism from international human rights groups. The ICC has indicated that the proceedings will examine alleged systematic practices linked to violations that occurred during his administration.
The ICC’s investigation will focus on evidence related to the deaths of thousands of Filipinos during Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs.
Facebook Video: Duterte’s Message to the Nation
Before landing in The Hague to face legal proceedings at the International Criminal Court, former President Rodrigo Duterte shared a message to his countrymen via social media. Reassuring his supporters, Duterte urged them not to worry about his situation, emphasizing his accountability for past actions during his war on drugs campaign. He expressed his commitment to accept the legal process and continue serving the nation, regardless of the challenges ahead.
Please check the full video below:
“To my countrymen, Just to give you the current situation. I am about to land in Hague (Netherlands). Galing ako sa Dubai for a stopover. It’s a long-haul flight, but okay ako. Do not worry.
I think this has something to do with the law and order noon, at sinasabi ko naman sa pulis na trabaho ko yon at ako ang mananagot. at eto na nga. So for whatever happened in the past, ako na yung nagfront sa ating law enforcement and military.
Sinabi ko na “I will protect you. and ako ang mananagot sa lahat.” This will be a long, legal proceeding but I say to you. I will continue to serve my country. So be it kung ganun ang destiny ko. Salamat!
– Rody Duterte
Supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte argue that his war on drugs was necessary to address the Philippines’ drug problem, claiming it restored order, deterred crime, and saved lives, with many Filipinos supporting his methods for ensuring safety.
However, critics highlight widespread human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and abuses disproportionately affecting poor communities, while high-profile drug lords went unpunished. They argue the campaign undermined the rule of law, created a culture of fear, and caused lasting societal damage, with many welcoming his surrender to the ICC as a step toward accountability and justice for victims.
The former president now faces international legal proceedings to determine his level of accountability for the alleged crimes under his administration.