Manila, Philippines – Former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is set to be transferred to The Hague, Netherlands, following his arrest in compliance with an order from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity.
Duterte was taken into custody upon his arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 after returning from Hong Kong. The arrest was carried out by authorities led by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
The former president now faces extradition to The Hague, where he will stand trial before the ICC for his alleged role in the thousands of extrajudicial killings linked to his controversial war on drugs. The issuance of an ICC arrest warrant and an Interpol Red Notice has been seen as a major step in holding him accountable for alleged crimes against humanity.
House lawmakers, particularly the “Young Guns” bloc, praised the execution of the warrant, calling it a historic moment for justice in the Philippines.
“This is a victory for justice and accountability. The ICC warrant is not just symbolic