ICC Takes Custody of Rody

Duterte Accepts Responsibility for Drug War

- JANVIC MATEO

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has formally taken custody of former president Rodrigo Duterte as it prepared to schedule a hearing "in due course" for his initial appearance.

"During this hearing, the Chamber will confirm the identity of the suspect and the language in which Mr. Duterte is able to follow the proceedings," the ICC said in a statement issued in English, Filipino and Cebuano.

Hours after his arrest at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, Duterte was moved to the Villamor Air Base where he was made to board a chartered flight to the Netherlands.

The ICC, in its statement, confirmed that Duterte was surrendered by Philippine authorities to its custody following his arrest, based on an arrest warrant issued by the international tribunal.

"The Chamber will also satisfy itself that Mr. Duterte has been informed of the crime which he is alleged to have committed, and of his rights under the Rome Statute, which is the Court's founding treaty," the ICC added.

The chartered plane carrying Duterte arrived in Rotterdam, Netherlands shortly before midnight Wednesday (Manila time).

He was turned over by Philippine law enforcement escorts to the Judicial Cooperation Unit of the ICC’s Office of Registry.

The former president appeared calm after his arrival in the Netherlands.

“I told the police and military that they just do their job and I will take the responsibility,” he said in a video message to reporters. “I promised to protect you. I will. I will take the responsibility for everything.”

“This will be a long legal proceeding, but I say to you, I will continue to serve the country. So be it, if this will be my destiny,” he added.

His daughter Vice President Sara Duterte arrived in Amsterdam early yesterday morning (Philippine time) to assist her father.