Hague, 14 March 2025

Former Philippine President, Rodrigo Duterte, 79, became the first Asian former leader to appear before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague via videolink at 3:00 p.m.  local time today.

During the session, he was informed of the charges against him and his rights as a defendant. Speaking briefly in a blue suit and tie, he confirmed his name and birthdate, though he appeared frail.

Duterte participated in the proceedings remotely from his detention center after Judge Iulia Motoc noted his lengthy journey and the time difference.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest is a 'pure and simple kidnapping', according to his legal counsel and former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022, was arrested in Manila on an ICC warrant early Tuesday, placed on a government-chartered jet, and arrived in The Hague the following day.

The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) had welcomed the arrest and transfer of Rodrigo Roa Duterte, former on 11 March 2025 by authorities in the Philippines.

The statement further added that this action is part of the ongoing investigation into the situation in the Republic of the Philippines.

Duterte was taken into custody immediately upon arrival at Manila's international airport from Hong Kong. Although he contested his detention, he was swiftly placed on a chartered flight to The Hague in the Netherlands, where the ICC is based.

The Philippine President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., affirmed that the country was fulfilling its legal obligations in this matter.

During Duterte’s presidency, thousands of individuals, including small-time drug dealers and users, were killed without trial.

The ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor has based its allegations on independent investigations, asserting that Duterte, as the founder of the Davao Death Squad, former Mayor of Davao City, and later as President, is criminally responsible for crimes against humanity, specifically murder, under Article 7(1)(a) of the Rome Statute.

These crimes are alleged to have occurred between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019, as part of a systematic and widespread attack on the civilian population.

The arrest warrant issued by the ICC on 7 March 2025 came after the Pre-Trial Chamber I determined that there were reasonable grounds to believe that Duterte was responsible for crimes of murder.

It was also noted that the alleged crimes occurred during the period when the Philippines was a State Party to the Rome Statute, ensuring the ICC’s jurisdiction over the matter.

The arrest of Duterte is a significant milestone in the ICC's pursuit of accountability for alleged crimes committed in the Philippines during the 'war on drugs' campaign as per the Office of the Prosecutor.

It says that ICC Prosecutor Office was able to carry out this investigation with the coordinated efforts of its Philippines Unified Team, led by Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, and its newly established Tracking and Information Fusion Section.

The support of the ICC Registry and effective coordination to secure the arrest have also been crucial.

This development represents a critical step in the ongoing effort to hold individuals accountable for crimes under the ICC’s jurisdiction.

The Office of the Prosecutor is now focusing on preparations for Mr. Duterte’s initial appearance and subsequent judicial proceedings before the Court.

The Office also extends its gratitude to the victims, survivors, witnesses, and activists from the Philippines who have cooperated with the investigation, acknowledging their courage and perseverance in bringing about this progress.

Those who wish to provide further information or cooperate are encouraged to do so through the ICC's Witness Appeal portal.

On 10 February 2025, the ICC requested an arrest warrant for Duterte, accusing him of crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and rape. After reviewing the evidence, the Pre-Trial Chamber I found sufficient grounds to believe Duterte was responsible for the crime of murder as an indirect co-perpetrator. The arrest warrant was initially secret but was made public on 11 March 2025.

Mr. Duterte was surrendered to the ICC on 12 March 2025, and his initial appearance took place via video link on 14 March 2025. The confirmation of charges hearing was initially scheduled to begin on 23 September 2025.

The ICC continues its investigation into the situation in the Philippines, appealing to witnesses, especially law enforcement officials involved in these incidents, to come forward and share their information confidentially through the ICC’s Witness Appeal portal.