UN Human Rights chief: ICC trial key to address impunity
Rotterdam—Former President Rodrigo Duterte said he was “responsible” for his administration’s bloody war on drugs as the International Criminal Court took him into custody Wednesday to face charges of crimes against humanity.
The ICC, based in The Hague, said there are “reasonable grounds” to charge Duterte with murder as a crime against humanity, as an “indirect co-perpetrator” during the anti-drug campaign that rights groups estimate killed tens of thousands.
“I am the one who led our law enforcement and military. I said that I will protect you and I will be responsible for all of this,” Duterte said in a two-minute video message recorded as he was about to land at Rotterdam.
“I have been telling the police, the military, that it was my job and I am responsible,” added the 79-year-old, the first Asian former head of state to face charges at the ICC.
Duterte assured his supporters he was “okay” despite the long flight.
“I am okay. Do not worry,” he said.
Duterte was immediately placed in court custody after he arrived in Rotterdam by private jet.
A vehicle thought to be carrying Duterte drove into the ICC detention center in The Hague past a crowd of dozens of supporters, some shouting: “Bring him back” and waving national flags.
“There has been no due process,” said Filipino caregiver Duds Quibin, 50.
“This is kidnapping. They just put him on a plane and brought him here,” he told Agence France Presse (AFP).
The center, located close to the North Sea coast, offers each prisoner an individual cell equipped with a computer to work on their case, along with an outdoor exercise area.
Duterte will be held there until an initial court appearance, likely in the coming days.
Vice President Sara Duterte arrived in Amsterdam yesterday and is set to meet with lawyers.
The Philippine Embassy in The Netherlands said it provided all necessary consular assistance to Duterte and his delegation, including proving them proper winter clothing, change of clothes, and care packages.
“Thereupon, on arrival, an ICC nurse, who is part of the reception party, conferred with the former President’s personal nurse on his medical condition and requirements. The ICC nurse has relayed the information received to the ICC Medical Doctor for the conduct of a medical check-up on the former President upon his arrival at the ICC Detention Center,” the embassy said.
Upon the embassy’s representation, former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea was also issued a 15-day visa as Duterte’s counsel and has been granted permission to visit the former President at the ICC Detention Center.
The former president’s nurse and aide, on the other hand, are set to return to the Philippines.
Speaking to media outside the ICC, Gilbert Andres, a lawyer representing victims of the drug war, said: “My clients are very thankful to God because their prayers have been answered.”
“The arrest of Rodrigo Duterte is a great signal for international criminal justice. It means that no one is above the law,” Andres added.
“Duterte is fortunate, there’s due process for him. There was no due process for my son” Angelito, said Emily Soriano at a press briefing organized by a local rights group.
Duterte “will be lying down on a good bed, my son is already rotting at the cemetery,” she added.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk described the arrest as “a very important step towards seeking accountability for the thousands of victims of killings.”
“The ICC proceedings now open a path toward addressing such impunity, at the highest levels, and shedding light on the widespread and systematic nature of these crimes,” Turk added.
China, however, warned the ICC against “politicization” and “double standards” in the Duterte case, saying it was “closely monitoring” it.
The Philippines quit the ICC in 2019 on Duterte’s instructions.
But the tribunal claims jurisdiction over killings up to then, including ones in the southern city of Davao when Duterte was mayor.
The ICC said in its arrest warrant there were “reasonable grounds to believe” at least 19 people had been murdered in the city by members of the “Davao Death Squad” headed by Duterte.
Additionally, at least 24 people were killed by Philippines police in various locations, judges believe. With Agence France Presse
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Duterte says he is ‘responsible’ as ICC takes him into custody.”