THE HAGUE, Netherlands. Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will make his first appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday at 1300 GMT, the court announced on Thursday.
Duterte was taken into ICC custody on Wednesday after his arrest in Manila, facing murder charges in connection with his controversial war on drugs campaign. The crackdown, which Duterte launched during his presidency, led to the deaths of thousands of suspected drug dealers and users.
The former leader was transferred to The Hague, Netherlands, where he will remain detained at the Scheveningen Prison, which houses individuals awaiting trial at the ICC. His arrest marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal battle over the alleged human rights violations committed during his administration.
Duterte, known for his defiant stance against international institutions, previously dismissed the ICC’s authority over the Philippines, stating that he was willing to take responsibility for the actions carried out under his leadership. “To my countrymen, just to give you the current situation, I am about to land in The Hague… It’s a long flight. OK ako. Do not worry,” he said in a video message posted on his Facebook page before arriving in the Netherlands.
Legal analysts expect Duterte’s first hearing to focus on the formal charges against him and the process of his trial. Meanwhile, his supporters, including Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who also faces potential ICC prosecution, have criticized the Marcos administration’s handling of the case. Dela Rosa stated that he would seek protection from the Philippine Senate should the ICC issue an arrest warrant against him.
Vice President Sara Duterte, Duterte’s daughter, arrived in Amsterdam on Wednesday night to visit her father after attending meetings with his legal team. The Office of the Vice President (OVP) confirmed her arrival, stating, “Upon her arrival, VP Duterte was met with assistance from the Dutch Foreign Ministry and the Dutch National Police Corps.”
Duterte’s upcoming ICC hearing is expected to attract global attention, as it could set a precedent for holding former heads of state accountable for alleged crimes against humanity. More updates will follow as the case progresses.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
- Gary P Hernalhttps://tutubi.ph/author/gary-hernal/
- Gary P Hernalhttps://tutubi.ph/author/gary-hernal/
- Gary P Hernalhttps://tutubi.ph/author/gary-hernal/
- Gary P Hernalhttps://tutubi.ph/author/gary-hernal/
