**Meta:** Rodrigo Duterte accepts responsibility for his “war on drugs” as he faces ICC charges. Learn more about his recent statements and legal proceedings.
**Content:**
### Who, What, When, Where, Why
Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has stated he will take responsibility for his government’s controversial “war on drugs.” This declaration was made in a video message recorded shortly before his arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of crimes against humanity. Duterte was taken into custody on Tuesday after arriving in the Netherlands, where he will face legal proceedings related to his administration’s anti-drug campaign, which activists claim resulted in thousands of deaths.
### Duterte’s Responsibility for the “War on Drugs”
In his video message, filmed on a plane, Duterte expressed his commitment to law enforcement and the military, saying, “Whatever happened in the past, I will be the front of our law enforcement and the military. I said this already, that I will protect you, and I will be responsible for everything.” He emphasized that he would continue to serve the country despite the legal challenges ahead.
– Duterte’s anti-drug campaign has been criticized for allegedly causing the deaths of up to 30,000 individuals.
– He has previously stated he offers “no apologies, no excuses” for his actions during this period.
### Legal Proceedings and ICC Custody
Duterte’s plane landed at Rotterdam airport shortly before 5 PM local time on Wednesday, where he was transferred to a detention unit. The ICC confirmed it had taken custody of Duterte, with Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan describing the event as “a crucial step in our continuous work to ensure accountability for the victims of the most serious crimes under ICC jurisdiction.”
– The ICC has found reasonable grounds to believe that Duterte is “individually responsible as an indirect co-perpetrator for the crime against humanity of murder” committed in the Philippines between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019.
– A hearing will be scheduled to confirm his identity and the language for the proceedings.
### Support and Opposition
Supporters of Duterte gathered at The Hague Penitentiary Institution, waving the Philippine flag and chanting “bring him back.” While many rights experts and victims’ families celebrated his arrest, Duterte maintains a strong support base, particularly in the southern regions of the Philippines.
In his video, Duterte reassured his supporters, saying, “I am OK, do not worry.” His daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, also arrived in The Hague to support him. Meanwhile, lawyers for Duterte filed a petition on behalf of his youngest daughter, Veronica, accusing the government of “kidnapping” him and demanding his return to the Philippines.
### Conclusion
As Duterte faces serious charges from the ICC, the implications of his “war on drugs” continue to resonate. What do you think will be the outcome of these legal proceedings?
**FAQs:**
**Q: What charges is Rodrigo Duterte facing at the ICC?**
A: Rodrigo Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity, specifically related to the alleged murder of thousands during his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
**Alt Text:** Rodrigo Duterte video message regarding ICC charges.
**URL Slug:** rodrigo-duterte-icc-charges-response