Duterte’s plane to refuel in Dubai, supporters rally Filipinos in UAE

The private plane carrying former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte. BONG GO/PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE

A private plane carrying former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is set to make a refueling stop in Dubai early Wednesday (March 12) before proceeding to The Hague, Netherlands, where he will face trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity. The Gulfstream G550 jet, bearing tail number RPC5219, left the Philippines at 11:03pm on Tuesday (March 11) and is expected to arrive at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) at 3:56am, according to flight tracking data. Update: Duterte lands in Dubai

Supporters call for solidarity

News of Duterte’s stopover in Dubai has sparked calls from his supporters, who have urged overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the UAE to rally behind the former leader. "All Filipinos to the Dubai airport now," one supporter posted on social media. "Hoping that the royals of the UAE will intercept," another wrote. Others have even called for political asylum. "UAE, please help our former president Duterte," a supporter identified as Tobirama commented. While some have been tracking the flight on Flightradar24, others have used social media platforms to express solidarity, emphasizing their belief that Duterte is facing politically motivated charges. The flight, arranged by Challenger Aero Air Corporation, is piloted by Captains Johnny Gulla and Elmo Segovia, according to sources familiar with the preparations. Duterte's refueling stop in Dubai is expected to be brief before the plane continues its journey to The Hague, where he will face charges before the international tribunal. Duterte was placed under Philippine government custody at Villamor Air Base on Tuesday morning following his arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Hong Kong where he attended a campaign trip targeting overseas Filipino voters for the 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. "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," President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed during a press briefing.

Legal and political implications

Duterte’s arrest follows years of international scrutiny over his controversial anti-drug campaign, which saw thousands of suspected drug offenders killed. While Duterte maintains that his crackdown was a necessary measure, human rights groups have accused him of enabling extrajudicial killings. The former leader’s legal team has filed a petition before the Philippine Supreme Court, arguing that his arrest is invalid due to the country’s withdrawal from the ICC in 2019. However, the ICC maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member. Meanwhile, Duterte has suggested that his arrest could ultimately benefit his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte. "My family, especially VP Sara Duterte—she can become president tomorrow, or in the longer term, she will win… because of what you did," Duterte said in an Instagram live session broadcast by his daughter Veronica. While Duterte’s supporters have condemned his arrest as politically motivated, others see it as a step toward justice for the thousands of victims of his war on drugs. Security has been heightened around key locations in the Philippines, including Duterte’s residence in Davao City, where hundreds of supporters have gathered in protest. Duterte remains defiant, maintaining his innocence. "I did what I had to do, and whether or not you believe it… I did it for my country," he said in a previous interview. ICA/CAM/Expat Media