MANILA, Philippines – Former President Rodrigo Duterte has been flown to The Hague, Netherlands, to face charges of crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s war on drugs, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. confirmed late Tuesday night.
Duterte’s Departure from the Philippines
Marcos addressed the media shortly after the plane carrying Duterte left Villamor Air Base at 11:03 PM, exiting Philippine airspace.
“The plane carrying former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte took off at 11:03 PM this evening and exited Philippine airspace,” Marcos announced in a press conference.
“The plane is en route to The Hague in the Netherlands, allowing the former president to face charges of crimes against humanity in relation to his bloody war on drugs.”
Arrest Process Followed ‘Necessary Procedure’
According to Marcos, Interpol Manila received an official copy of the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant just hours before Duterte landed from Hong Kong. This led to the Department of Justice serving the arrest warrant upon his arrival in Manila on Tuesday morning.
“We followed every single necessary procedure… This was done because Interpol asked us to do it, and we have commitments,” Marcos explained.
Marcos: Arrest Not a Violation of Philippine Sovereignty
Amid criticism from Duterte allies, including Vice President Sara Duterte, Marcos denied that the arrest violated Philippine sovereignty.
“No. Why would it? We’ve been consistent—we did not assist the ICC’s investigation. We did not provide them with any documents or help in any way,” he stated.
However, he emphasized that not complying with Interpol’s request could harm the Philippines’ ability to seek international assistance for fugitive cases.
Duterte’s Legal Team Responds
Duterte’s lawyer, Atty. Martin Delgra, confirmed that the former president boarded the plane at around 9:00 PM, accompanied by former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, a nurse, and a personal assistant.
Supporters gathered near Villamor Air Base, chanting “Duterte! Duterte!”, while anti-riot police secured the area.
Meanwhile, Duterte’s legal team, led by former Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello, is now exploring legal options following his arrest.
ICC’s Case Against Duterte
The ICC pre-trial chamber has found reasonable grounds to believe that murders were committed in at least:
- 19 killings of alleged drug pushers or thieves by the Davao Death Squad (DDS) in Davao City
- 24 killings of alleged criminals by Philippine authorities
With Duterte now in ICC custody, the Philippines enters an unprecedented legal and political chapter, as the former leader faces international prosecution.