ICC thanks Philippine gov't for Duterte arrest

The International Criminal Court in The Hague has thanked Philippine authorities after it took custody of former President Rodrigo Duterte following his arrest in Manila in connection with the killings tied to his administration's war on drugs.

According to a situation post on its website, the ICC said a hearing will be scheduled in due course for Duterte’s initial appearance before the tribunal. 

"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 post said.

"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," it added.

The post said ICC Registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler thanked the authorities of the Philippines "for their commitment to upholding international accountability mechanisms, and the authorities of the Host State, the Netherlands, for their cooperation and support."

Duterte arrived in The Hague on Wednesday afternoon in the Dutch city (late evening in Manila).

He was then brought to The Hague Penitentiary Institution or the Scheveningen Prison where he will be held while awaiting trial by the ICC for alleged "crimes against humanity."

Duterte was brought to The Hague Penitentiary Institution or the Scheveningen Prison at 7:34 p.m. (2:34 a.m. Philippine time) aboard a black vehicle.

The 79-year-old former leader was handed over to the ICC on Wednesday after it issued a warrant for his arrest over his deadly crackdown on drugs.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court ordered the respondent government officials in the petitions for habeas corpus seeking the release of Duterte to comment in 24 hours on why the writ should not be issued.

One of his sons, Davao City Representative Paolo "Pulong" Duterte, filed a petition before the Supreme Court (SC) seeking former President Rodrigo Duterte’s release from what he argued was illegal confinement and detention.

The ICC Office of the Prosecutor has welcomed the arrest and transfer of Duterte, the first former leader of an Asian to be served an arrest warrant by the ICC,  saying that it is an “important development” in the pursuit of accountability for alleged crimes against humanity during his administration’s bloody drug war.–NB/RF, GMA Integrated News