President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that former President Rodrigo Duterte flew to The Hague in the Netherlands to stand trial for crimes against humanity related to the war on drugs implemented during his administration.
"Mr. Duterte was arrested in compliance with our commitment to Interpol," Marcos said in an official statement on late Tuesday.
He further reiterated that Interpol requested assistance, and the country obliged due to its commitment to Interpol, which it is bound to fulfill.
Moreover, Marcos noted that if the country fails to assist in this case, it may no longer be able to help with other cases involving Filipino fugitives abroad.
"This is what the international community expects of us as the leader of a democratic country that is part of the community of nations," said Marcos.
The former President was arrested upon his arrival in Manila from Hong Kong at 9:20 a.m. at NAIA Terminal 3.
Over the weekend, he had attended a thanksgiving event with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), accompanied by the senatorial candidates he was endorsing.
He was then placed in government custody at Villamor Air Base, where he remained prior to his flight.
Earlier, Malacañang noted that hours before Duterte's arrival in the country, Interpol Manila received an official copy of the ICC warrant. This led the Prosecutor General of the Department of Justice to serve the warrant.
