MANILA, Philippines – Former President Rodrigo Duterte will be imprisoned in The Hague, Netherlands, where he will face trial for his alleged crimes against humanity.

The former president was arrested by members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), along with representatives from Interpol and the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime (PCTC), based on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Duterte is now under PNP custody.

Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon served the ICC notification for an arrest warrant against the former president upon his arrival from Hong Kong.

Atty. Kristina Conti, ICC assistant to counsel, stated that Duterte is expected to be turned over to The Hague as soon as possible to begin the formal and public trial at the ICC tribunal.

Upon arrival at The Hague, the former president will be imprisoned.

In an interview on GMA Network’s Balitanghali, Conti said Philippine courts have no authority over Duterte’s ICC charges.

The former president will be given a “packet of materials” detailing his rights, the charges against him, and a list of ICC-authorized lawyers who may represent him.

“Pagmumuni-munihan niya ‘yan, mga isang linggo. Tapos ipapatawag siya uli ng korte para sa first hearing o confirmation of charges, parang arraignment sa atin,” Conti said, adding that trials may take two to ten years, “depende kung gaano ka-litigious o kung gaano ico-contest ng Duterte camp ang charges sa kaniya.”

The 15-page arrest warrant, issued on March 7, 2025, outlined the “necessity of the arrest.”

“The Prosecution submits that the arrest of Mr. Duterte is necessary to ensure his appearance before the Court,” the warrant stated, adding that, “The Chamber observes that Mr. Duterte, even though no longer the President of the Philippines, appears to continue to wield considerable power. Mindful of the resultant risk of interference with the investigation and the security of witnesses and victims, the Chamber is satisfied that the arrest of Mr. Duterte is necessary within the meaning of Article 58(1)(b)(i) of the Statute to ensure his appearance before the court.”

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