President Duterte could be facing up to 30 years behind bars if he is convicted for crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC), Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

"Based on the law, the penalty could reach up to 30 years imprisonment," Castro said in a press briefing on Wednesday, March 12.

"But it depends upon the defenses that could be availed of by the former president," she added.

The Philippine government surrendered Duterte to the ICC through Interpol on Tuesday, March 11. He was flown out of the country late Tuesday night. They made a brief stop in Dubai for a layover on Wednesday.

According to Castro, Duterte, who will turn 80 on March 28, would first be brought to a local court to determine if his arrest was proper. If so, only then would he be brought to The Hague in The Netherlands for his trial.

Asked if the government will extend assistance to Duterte, the Palace official said the government will help when it comes to ensuring the former president's rights.  

"Hindi naman din po pababayaan ng ating gobyerno, lalong-lalo na po kung ito ay tungkol sa kanyang karapatan (Our government won’t neglect it either, especially when it comes to his rights)," Castro said.

"Sino man, kahit hindi dating pangulo, basta Pilipino makakaasa ng tulong sa ating pamahalaan (Anyone, even if they’re not a former president, as long as they’re Filipino, can expect help from our government)," she added.

However, she said she was unaware if anybody from Duterte's camp had already reached out to the government.

"Wala pa po kaming natatanggap na report patungkol diyan (We haven't received a report yet regarding that)," Castro said.