Ex Filipino leader Duterte says responsible as he lands to face ICC case

THE HAGUE - Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte said he was “responsible” as the International Criminal Court (ICC) took him into custody on March 12 to face charges of crimes against humanity over his war on drugs.

The ICC, based in The Hague, has said there were “reasonable grounds” to believe Mr Duterte committed the crime against humanity of murder as an “indirect co-perpetrator” during the anti-drug campaign that rights groups estimate killed tens of thousands of people.

“I am the one who led our law enforcement and military. I said that I will protect you and I will be responsible for all of this,” Mr Duterte said in a video shared on his and a close adviser’s Facebook pages as he was about to land in the Netherlands.

“I have been telling the police, the military, that it was my job and I am responsible,” said the 79-year-old, the first Asian former head of state to face charges at the ICC.

The court rules on the world’s worst crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

A spokesman confirmed Mr Duterte was in court custody after he arrived in Rotterdam by private jet.

A vehicle thought to be carrying him drove into the ICC detention centre in The Hague past dozens of supporters, some shouting, “Bring him back”, and waving national flags.

“There has been no due process,” caregiver Duds Quibin, 50, told AFP. “This is kidnapping. They just put him on a plane and brought him here.”

The centre, located close to the North Sea coast, offers each prisoner an individual cell equipped with a computer to work on their case, along with an outdoor exercise area.

Mr Duterte will be held here until an initial court appearance, likely in the coming days.

Speaking to AFP outside