Duterte appointed Medialdea as legal counsel, taken into custody in Hague

Former President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed his former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea as one of his legal counsels and was taken into custody upon arrival in The Hague on Wednesday, March 12.

Duterte is set to make his first appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday, where he will face charges of crimes against humanity related to his war on drugs.

During the initial hearing, Duterte will be informed of the alleged crimes and his rights as a defendant.

The 79-year-old former leader stated in a Facebook video that he would take responsibility for the Philippines' law enforcement efforts during his presidency.

An ICC document shows that Duterte requested Medialdea to assist him at the initial appearance, along with the Office of Public Counsel for the Defence.

ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan emphasized that Duterte is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

The process could take several months or even years to determine whether a full trial will proceed.