Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is set to face trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, on charges of crimes against humanity.
His flight to Europe marks a historic moment in international law, reinforcing The Hague’s role as the center for prosecuting global leaders accused of serious crimes.
The 79-year-old former leader was detained upon his return from Hong Kong, with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirming his arrest.
Nearly 12 hours later, Duterte boarded a chartered flight to The Hague, where he will stand trial before the ICC.
He was accompanied by three individuals, including former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea.
His departure follows the ICC’s intensified legal actions, with the issuance of the PRRD warrant prompting swift enforcement.
The warrant, linked to allegations of human rights violations during his war on drugs, has sparked political and legal debates locally and internationally.
The ICC, headquartered in The Hague, was established in 2002 to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
As an independent judicial body, it holds world leaders accountable for atrocities beyond their own countries’ jurisdiction, ensuring impartial handling of cases.
The ICC’s investigation focuses on the thousands of deaths from Duterte’s anti-drug campaign (2016–2022).
Official police records cite 6,200 fatalities, but human rights organizations estimate up to 30,000, including alleged extrajudicial killings.
Duterte questioned his arrest’s legal basis, highlighting the Philippines’ ICC withdrawal in 2019.
However, the ICC maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a member.
As the Foreign Relations and Rights Department (FRRD) monitors the case, legal experts analyze the PRRD warrant’s broader implications.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte is set to fly to the Netherlands for legal consultation following her father’s arrest.
While she has yet to release a formal statement, she is seeking legal avenues to support Duterte’s defense in the ICC proceedings.
The Hague is home to the ICC, which was established to prosecute individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Since Duterte faces charges under this jurisdiction, his trial is being held there.
Although the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019, the court retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a member.
The Foreign Relations and Rights Department (FRRD) is monitoring the case and analyzing the broader implications of the PRRD warrant for international justice.
Keep Reading: Duterte’s Arrest Spark Hope for Families of EJK Victims, Seen as a Step Toward Justice and Accountability
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