Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has made his first appearance via video link at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, where he faces charges related to his controversial anti-drug campaign.
Duterte, 79, appeared at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time and was informed of the charges against him, as well as his legal rights, according to the ICC. The court has accused him of “murder as a crime against humanity” for his role in a violent crackdown on illegal drugs during his tenure.
Duterte was taken into custody earlier this week in Manila and subsequently transported to the Netherlands. The arrest, which occurred at Manila’s main airport, was carried out with the assistance of Interpol. After being placed on a flight on Tuesday night, Duterte arrived in The Hague on Wednesday following a layover in Dubai, where he reportedly received medical attention.
His arrest marks a significant development in efforts to hold him accountable for thousands of killings that took place under his administration’s anti-drug operations. Police records indicate that around 6,000 people were killed during the campaign, though human rights groups estimate the actual number could be as high as 30,000. Many of the victims were young men from impoverished communities, with reports of extrajudicial executions carried out by law enforcement and vigilante groups.
The ICC alleges that Duterte was responsible for crimes against humanity between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019. This period includes his time as both President of the Philippines (2016-2022) and Mayor of Davao City, where he was allegedly linked to the so-called “Davao Death Squad.”
Duterte’s legal team has contested the ICC’s jurisdiction, arguing that the Philippines withdrew from the court in 2019. However, ICC judges ruled that the court retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a member.
Shortly before his arrival in the Netherlands, Duterte posted a video message on social media, reaffirming his stance on the anti-drug campaign.
“I was saying to the police and military that you do your job, and I will take responsibility, so it has come to this,” he stated.
He added that he was prepared for a lengthy legal process and would continue to serve his country “if that is my destiny.”
Duterte’s arrest has sparked mixed reactions within the Philippines. Supporters argue that his actions were necessary to curb drug-related crime, while critics see this as a long-overdue step toward justice for the victims of the drug war.
The case also has political ramifications, as it comes at a time of shifting alliances in Philippine politics. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who initially indicated reluctance to cooperate with the ICC, later allowed its investigators to enter the country. His administration’s compliance with international legal proceedings could impact upcoming midterm elections and future presidential contests, where Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, is seen as a strong contender.
With input from CNN, the Guardian, and the New York Times.
