The journey of Rodrigo Duterte, the former President of the Philippines, has finally come to its next significant milestone as he arrived in The Hague, Netherlands, after a flight delayed by several hours. Preparations are underway for him to face the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of crimes against humanity. The ICC’s investigation into his campaign against drug trafficking, which has resulted in thousands of deaths, is set to proceed, marking a crucial moment in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.
According to international news reports, the plane carrying Duterte landed in The Hague on Wednesday, March 12, 2024, after a brief stop in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The former president was taken into custody at an airport in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, the previous day. His journey to The Hague was not straightforward, as he required a medical checkup, which caused the delay. The Gulfstream G550 aircraft eventually landed in Rotterdam, Netherlands, where the ICC confirmed that Duterte is now under their custody and will face trial for crimes against humanity at an appropriate time.
The role of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the current President of the Philippines and a direct political rival of Duterte, has been pivotal in the extradition process. Marcos issued a statement shortly after Duterte’s arrest, emphasizing the Philippines’ commitment to its legal obligations. “This is what the international community expects from us,” Marcos Jr. stated, underscoring the country’s adherence to its duties.
The Duterte and Marcos families are among the most influential in Philippine politics. They had formed an alliance that led to their victory in the 2022 elections, but their partnership began to fray over differences in policy. Marcos had initially expressed his reluctance to cooperate with the ICC’s investigation but later changed his stance as his relationship with the Duterte family deteriorated.
Sara Duterte, the daughter of Rodrigo Duterte and the current Vice President of the Philippines, has also been embroiled in controversy. She was recently impeached by the legislature after making comments about assassinating Marcos, and her case is pending judicial review. If the court upholds the impeachment, she would face a long period of political banishment, potentially sidelining her from the next election.
As the world watches the developments in The Hague, it is clear that this case will have far-reaching implications for justice, both in the Philippines and internationally. The ICC’s pursuit of accountability for crimes against humanity serves as a reminder of the global commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
Sources:
– BBC News
