(UPDATED)
Former president Rodrigo Duterte was placed under the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday, March 11, after he was served a warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity, following his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from Hong Kong.
Duterte, his longtime partner, Honeylet Avanceña, other family members, and close allies arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 around 9:20 a.m. via Cathay Pacific flight CX907. They were escorted by elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) after meeting with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and supporters in Hong Kong a day prior.
Tight security was implemented at NAIA, with PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil personally ensuring peace and order at the airport. He was spotted with CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Nicholas Torre III, and representatives from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) and Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC).
Accordingly, Duterte initially refused to go out of the plane after being notified he would be served with an arrest warrant.
“You will have just to kill me kung 'di ako papayag, kung kakampi ka dyan sa mga puti (if I refuse to exit, if you will take side with the foreigners),” Duterte could be heard in a video posted by ABS-CBN News while arguing with officials. Eventually he agreed to comply with the protocols.
As of writing, it was not clear yet if Duterte would be brought to the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
However, stricter security measures were observed at the PNP Custodial Facility where high-profile inmates are being held by the PNP.
In a video posted on Instagram by Duterte's daughter, Veronica, the former president questioned the basis for his detention by the PNP. Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel could be seen behind him.
"What is the law and what is the crime that I committed?" Duterte said. "Assure to me now the legal basis for my being here as I apparently was brought here not on my own volition. You have to answer now for the deprivation of liberty."
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) did not confirm if Duterte was brought to the PAF headquarters in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City. However, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said it's normal for the PAF's facilities to be used as arrival or departure points for air movements.
"It is normal for PAF's secured base facilities to be used as arrival or departure points for air movements of certain important personalities. For operational security, we however defer to the concerned government agency responsible for this activity to confirm and give specific details," Castillo told the Manila Bulletin.
Duterte is being investigated by the ICC due to his administration’s bloody “drug war” which he launched when he won in the 2016 national elections.
According to police records, around 6,000 drug suspects died under the Duterte’s anti-illegal drug campaign but human rights groups estimated the number could go as high as 30,000, including those killed vigilante-style by motorcycle riding-in-tandem suspects.
AFP on Duterte's arrest
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is prepared to respond and ensure peace in the country in case supporters of Duterte would stage protests.
"We cannot speculate on what will ensue. But for the side of the AFP, we are ready and prepared to augment as necessary when requested," said AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla.
"As a professional organization, the AFP adheres to the chain of command, and we remain focused on our mandate. However, together with the appropriate government agencies, we stand ready to reinforce efforts to uphold national security and stability when necessary," she added.