Duterte faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted by ICC

President Duterte could face up to 30 years in prison or even life imprisonment if convicted of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.

On Wednesday, March 12, Castro stated at a press briefing that Duterte was surrendered to Interpol and flown out of the country late Tuesday night with a brief stopover in Dubai.

Castro explained that Duterte would first be brought before a local court in the Netherlands to determine if his arrest was proper before being transferred to The Hague for trial.

The government will ensure Duterte's rights are upheld but has not yet received any reports from his camp regarding assistance needs.

Asked about potential government support, Castro emphasized that anyone, including former presidents, can expect help from the government when it comes to their rights.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in a press conference moments after Duterte's plane departed for The Hague, stressed that the arrest was in compliance with Interpol requests rather than those of the ICC, which the Philippines withdrew from in 2019.