THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been transferred to the Hague Penitentiary Institution, also known as Scheveningen Prison, where he will be held while awaiting trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s war on drugs.
Duterte arrived at the facility at 7:34 p.m. local time (2:34 a.m. Philippine time) in a black vehicle. Outside, supporters gathered and chanted, “We love Duterte” and “Bring him back” as his convoy entered the prison.
The 79-year-old former leader was flown to the Netherlands on a plane that landed at Rotterdam The Hague Airport at 4:54 p.m. (11:54 p.m. Philippine time) after being handed over to the ICC by Philippine authorities.
The ICC issued an arrest warrant against Duterte for allegedly overseeing a violent anti-drug campaign, which prosecutors claim involved extrajudicial killings carried out by state-backed death squads.
In a statement, the ICC confirmed his transfer to its custody:
“Mr. Rodrigo Roa Duterte… was surrendered to the custody of the International Criminal Court. He was arrested by the authorities of the Republic of the Philippines in accordance with an arrest warrant issued… for charges of murder as a crime against humanity.”
Duterte is expected to make his initial appearance before an ICC judge in the coming days. He has been moved to a detention unit along the Dutch coast while awaiting legal proceedings.
Duterte: ‘Do Not Worry’
Before landing in the Netherlands, Duterte posted a video on Facebook, assuring his supporters that he was “okay.”
“I think this has something to do with law and order before. I tell the police and the military to work, and I will answer for you. So this is it,” he said in a mix of English and Tagalog.
He also mentioned that his flight had a layover in Dubai before heading to The Hague.
“Okay ako. Do not worry,” he added.
Consular Assistance and Protests
The Philippine Embassy in The Hague stated that it had provided consular assistance to Duterte, including winter clothing, a change of clothes, and care packages.
Meanwhile, groups of Filipinos gathered in front of the ICC to show support for the former president, with some traveling from different cities in the Netherlands and neighboring countries.
Duterte’s case marks a historic moment as he becomes the first former Philippine head of state to face trial before the ICC. (Via NewsWire)