THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte arrived in The Hague after a chartered flight from Manila, with a refueling stop in Dubai.
His arrival follows his arrest at Manila’s international airport and is part of the legal proceedings initiated by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Duterte faces charges related to his anti-drug campaign during his presidency, which has been the subject of an ICC investigation since 2021.
The investigation focuses on alleged human rights violations linked to the crackdown on drug crimes, which critics say led to thousands of deaths.
Human rights groups have expressed concern over the methods used in Duterte’s drug war, while his legal team maintains that the policies were essential to combat the drug crisis in the Philippines. The charges could result in severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
Upon his arrival in The Hague, Duterte will undergo an initial hearing to confirm his identity and review the charges against him.