Rodrigo Duterte has been handed over the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, where the former Philippine president will face trial for alleged crimes against humanity.
The jet bearing Duterte landed in The Hague on Wednesday (March 12) following his arrest in Manila on Tuesday (March 11).
The 79-year-old is accused of crimes against humanity in connection with his bloody war against drugs, including other alleged crimes dating back to 2011 when Duterte was mayor of Davao City.
Duterte served as Philippine president from 2016 to 2022.
Police figures indicate that around 6,000 people were killed during the drug campaign.
However, human rights organizations estimate that the number was as high as 30,000.
The ICC earlier issued a warrant of arrest against Duterte.
The ICC has been investigating the alleged crimes in the Philippines since 2018.
Under Duterte, the Philippines announced its withdrawal from the ICC’s founding treaty shortly after the ICC’s preliminary investigation began.
Human rights groups and families of victims of the drug war hailed Duterte’s arrest.
Duterte will face an initial appearance where the court will confirm his identity, check that he understands the charges against him, and set a date for a hearing.
“This is a monumental and long-overdue step for justice for thousands of victims and their families,” said Jerrie Abella of Amnesty International.
“It is therefore a hopeful sign for them, as well, in the Philippines and beyond, as it shows that suspected perpetrators of the worst crimes, including government leaders, will face justice wherever they are in the world,” Abella added.
Duterte’s supporters criticized his arrest as illegal and sought to have him returned home.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday (March 11) that Duterte’s arrest was “proper and correct” and not an act of political persecution.
Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, criticized the Marcos administration for surrendering her father to a foreign court.
