Rodrigo Duterte arrives in Rotterdam, issues message to Filipinos

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte's private plane lands in Rotterdam on March 12, 2025. SHINE CLZVR/RODY DUTERTE

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has arrived in Rotterdam, Netherlands where he is set to face trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his controversial war on drugs. Duterte’s chartered flight landed in Rotterdam on Wednesday afternoon (March 12) following a stopover in Dubai. He posted a heartfelt video message to Filipinos shortly before arrival, reassuring supporters and acknowledging the legal proceedings ahead. “To my countrymen, just to give you the current situation. I am about to land Hague. Galing akong Dubai. Stopover. It’s a long flight. Okay ako. Do not worry (I am okay. Do not worry),” Duterte said in the video. Acknowledging his role in law enforcement policies during his presidency, he said: “I think this has something to do with law and order . And sinasabi ko naman sa police and military noon na ako ang managot, so ito na nga (And I told the police and military before that I would take responsibility, so here we are).” Duterte reiterated his previous stance on protecting law enforcement officers who carried out his anti-drug campaign, adding: “For all happened in the past, ako na ‘yung nag-front sa ating law enforcement pati military (I was the one who stood in front for our law enforcement and military). Sinabi ko na I will protect you, ako ang managot sa lahat (I said I will protect you, I will take responsibility for everything).” Despite the serious charges against him, Duterte remained steadfast. “This will be a long legal proceeding, but I say to you I will continue to serve my country and so be it kung ganun ang destiny ko (and so be it if that is my destiny).” In the Netherlands, groups of Filipinos have gathered at the airport and near the International Criminal Court building in a show of support to Duterte. One of the live videos showed Duterte’s plane RPC5219 landing at Rotterdam The Hague Airport.

Duterte’s stopover in Dubai

Duterte departed the Philippines late Tuesday night aboard a chartered aircraft, piloted by Captains Johnny Gulla and Elmo Segovia. He was accompanied by former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, a nurse, and a personal assistant. The plane landed at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport at 3:56am before departing for Rotterdam at 11:58am. Senator Bong Go, a longtime Duterte ally, shared photos and a video of the former president having a modest meal onboard. Duterte was seen eating plain fried rice and paratha, a flatbread, alongside bottled water and fruit juice. At one point, he was heard asking for a soft drink but was informed that only juice was available. Earlier that morning, Go confirmed Duterte’s presence in Dubai and called on supporters to pray for his safety. “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 President Rodrigo Duterte will be safe and in good health),” Go wrote in a social media post.

ICC trial

Duterte was placed under Philippine government custody at Villamor Air Base on Tuesday morning following his return from Hong Kong, where he attended a campaign event ahead of the upcoming May 12 midterm elections. Authorities said that Interpol Manila received an official copy of the ICC arrest warrant early Tuesday, prompting swift action to detain the former leader. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed Duterte’s extradition, stating in a press conference, “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 of crimes against humanity in relation to his bloody war on drugs.” Duterte’s legal team has strongly contested his extradition, arguing that the ICC has no jurisdiction over him since the Philippines officially withdrew from the court in 2019. However, the ICC maintains that it retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a member. Vice President Sara Duterte, his daughter, has criticized the extradition, calling it “state kidnapping.” VP Sara is expected to land in Amsterdam after a stopover in Dubai on Wednesday afternoon to accompany her father. Her brother, Congressman Paolo Duterte, is also expected to land in Amsterdam as Duterte prepares to face legal proceedings in The Hague. ICA/CAM/Expat Media