Duterte lands in Dubai en route to ICC trial in The Hague

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte inside a private jet in Dubai on March 12, 2025. BONG GO

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte touched down in Dubai early Wednesday morning (March 12) as his private jet made a scheduled refueling stop en route to The Hague, Netherlands, where he is set to face trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity. The Gulfstream G550 jet, bearing tail number RPC5219, departed the Philippines at 11:03pm on Tuesday (March 11) and arrived at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport at approximately 3:56am, according to flight tracking data. The aircraft is operated by Challenger Aero Air Corporation and is piloted by Captains Johnny Gulla and Elmo Segovia. Senator Bong Go, a longtime Duterte ally, confirmed his presence in Dubai via a Facebook post at around 9am on Wednesday. “Tatay Digong is currently in Dubai. Sama-sama po nating ipagdasal na nasa mabuting kalagayan at kaligtasan si dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte (Let us pray together that former Philippine president Duterte will be safe and in good health),” he wrote, urging supporters to pray for the former leader’s well-being and safety. Duterte was seen inside the jet alongside former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea, according to images shared online. According to Flightradar24, the flight was scheduled to leave Dubai at 5:15am but left at 11:58am. It is scheduled to reach Rotterdam at 5:40pm (UAE time).

Supporters call for unity as Duterte heads to ICC

The former president’s brief stopover in Dubai has ignited a wave of support among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the UAE. Social media posts calling for solidarity have surfaced, with one supporter urging, “All Filipinos to the Dubai airport now.” Another wrote, “Hoping that the royals of the UAE will intercept.” Some supporters have gone as far as calling for political asylum. A commenter identified as Tobirama posted, “UAE, please help our former president Duterte.” Duterte’s arrest and extradition to The Hague have stirred political tensions, with many of his allies condemning the move as a politically motivated attack. However, others view it as a necessary step toward justice for victims of his controversial war on drugs. Duterte was placed under Philippine government custody at Villamor Air Base on Tuesday morning after arriving from Hong Kong, where he attended campaign events targeting overseas Filipino voters for the upcoming May 12 mid-term elections. According to Philippine authorities, the Interpol Manila branch received an official copy of the ICC arrest warrant early Tuesday and acted swiftly to enforce it. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed Duterte’s extradition during a press briefing. “The plane carrying former President Rodrigo Duterte took off at 11:03pm and exited Philippine airspace. The plane is en route to The Hague in the Netherlands, allowing the former president to face charges on crimes against humanity in relation to his bloody war on drugs,” he stated. Duterte’s legal team has contested his arrest, arguing that it lacks validity since the Philippines formally withdrew from the ICC in 2019. However, the ICC maintains that it retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member. Despite his extradition, Duterte has suggested that his legal troubles could work in favor of his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte. In an Instagram live session broadcast by his daughter Veronica, Duterte said, “My family, especially VP Sara Duterte—she can become president tomorrow, or in the longer term, she will win… because of what you did.”

Public reaction: Protest and justice

Reactions to Duterte’s arrest have been polarized. His supporters have decried the move as politically motivated, with many gathering in protest outside his residence in Davao City. Meanwhile, human rights advocates view this as a landmark moment in the fight for justice. Duterte’s war on drugs, which resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings, has been the subject of international scrutiny. Despite the controversy, Duterte remains steadfast in his stance. “I did what I had to do, and whether or not you believe it… I did it for my country,” he previously said. Security measures have been heightened in key locations across the Philippines in anticipation of further demonstrations. With Duterte now en route to The Hague, legal proceedings at the ICC will commence in the coming weeks. The trial is expected to have significant implications for both Philippine politics and international human rights law. ICA/CAM/Expat Media