By: Bernadette Carreon

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has arrived in the Netherlands to face charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC) related to his controversial “war on drugs.”

On Tuesday, he was arrested at Manila Airport and quickly transported via chartered jet to The Hague, with a stop in Dubai.

At 79, Duterte could become the first Asian former head of state to be tried at the ICC. He served as President of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022 and oversaw a violent campaign that resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings.

The ICC has confirmed that Duterte is now in its custody, facing charges of murder as a crime against humanity. A hearing will be scheduled for his initial appearance.

Duterte’s main political rival, current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., played a key role in facilitating Duterte’s transfer to the ICC. Just minutes after Duterte left Philippine airspace, Marcos delivered a televised address stating that the country was fulfilling its legal obligations. “This is what the international community expects of us,” Marcos said.

The Philippines is neighboring Palau, and many Filipinos working in Palau come from Davao, where Duterte previously served as mayor.

In 2018, former President Tommy Remengesau sought Duterte’s assistance to combat illegal drugs and curb their entry into Palau.

Remengesau met with Duterte in Manila, where counter-narcotics was one of the key issues discussed during their meeting.

Duterte is known for his outbursts filled with expletives. He is a popular leader whose supporters defend his war on drugs as a means to keep the country safe from illegal drugs.