Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Transferred to The Hague to Face ICC Charges

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Transferred to The Hague to Face ICC Charges

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was transferred to Rotterdam, Netherlands, on Wednesday to face charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his role in the bloody "war on drugs" campaign. Duterte, who led the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, was arrested in Manila on Tuesday, marking a significant development in the ICC's investigation into alleged crimes against humanity.

The ICC warrant for his arrest states that Duterte, as president, created and funded "death squads" that carried out murders of suspected drug users and dealers. He could become the first Asian former head of state to stand trial at the ICC in The Hague.

Duterte is expected to appear before a judge in the coming days, where the allegations against him will be read in court. Prosecutors accuse him of crimes against humanity for systematic attacks that led to dozens of murders.

The arrest has sparked mixed reactions. Anti-Duterte protesters gathered outside the ICC with banners and masks depicting him as a vampire, while pro-Duterte supporters also demonstrated at the court building.

Back in the Philippines, families of drug war victims expressed hope for justice. Jerica Ann Pico, whose husband was killed during the campaign, said, "I was surprised and felt as if I had been brought back to life because what we have been fighting for is finally coming to fruition."

Duterte's daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, flew to Amsterdam on Wednesday, but her purpose and duration of stay remain unclear. The ICC press office and Duterte's lawyers declined to comment.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that Duterte was en route to The Hague to face charges. The war on drugs was Duterte's signature campaign platform, resulting in the deaths of 6,200 suspects during police operations. Activists believe the actual toll is much higher, with thousands more killed in mysterious circumstances.

Duterte's legal team plans to assess options and seek clarity on his detention and access. His youngest daughter intends to file a habeas corpus request with the Philippine Supreme Court to bring him back.

The arrest marks a dramatic turn for the influential Duterte family, who formed an alliance with Marcos to secure his 2022 election victory. However, Marcos and Sara Duterte have since had a falling out, culminating in her impeachment last month.