The ICC Docket: Duterte’s Journey from Manila to The Hague

In 2017, the Magdalo group—led by Senator Antonio Trillanes and Representative Gary Alejano—filed a case before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, against former President Rodrigo R. Duterte. Additional submissions were later made by human rights organizations, NGOs, and families of victims of drug-related killings during Duterte’s tenure as both Davao City mayor and President of the Philippines.

Chronology of events, as documented and researched by The Filipino Correspondent Network (TFCN):

March 7, 2025

The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I issued an arrest warrant for former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for crimes against humanity—specifically murder—allegedly committed between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019, within the Philippines.

March 11, 2025

Duterte returned from Hong Kong and was immediately arrested through a request coordinated by Interpol.

Just hours later, Duterte and Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa filed a last-minute petition before the Supreme Court (SC) seeking his immediate release and urging the court to stop the Philippine government from cooperating with the ICC investigation.

At 11 p.m. (Manila time), Duterte boarded a chartered flight to The Hague, Netherlands.

Supporters held candlelight vigils in London and other European cities.

March 12, 2025

The Gulfstream G550 (RP-C5219) carrying Duterte landed at Rotterdam-The Hague Airport shortly before 5 p.m. (CET) after a stopover in Dubai, where his departure was delayed due to medical checks.

Roughly two hours after landing, two tinted vehicles—one believed to be carrying Duterte—arrived at the ICC detention center in Scheveningen.

Outside the ICC, both Duterte supporters and human rights advocates gathered—supporters showing solidarity, while activists called for justice and accountability.

The Supreme Court dismissed the urgent petition challenging Duterte’s arrest.

The Philippine Embassy in The Hague provided consular support per instructions from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Vice President Sara Duterte arrived later that evening via an Emirates flight.

Duterte issued a Power of Attorney appointing former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea as one of his legal counsels.

March 13, 2025

Medialdea attempted to visit Duterte, amid confusion about the latter’s exact whereabouts.

ICC spokesperson Fadi El-Abdallah confirmed that Duterte was in custody and had undergone standard medical checks.

ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan said the court had reasonable grounds for the arrest and affirmed its jurisdiction over the case.

The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I scheduled Duterte’s initial hearing for March 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

March 14, 2025

Duterte made his first court appearance via video link from the ICC detention center due to the long journey.

Pre-Trial Chamber I is composed of Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc, Judge Reine Alapini-Gansou, and Judge Socorro Flores Liera.

The confirmation of charges hearing was provisionally set for September 23, 2025.

Medialdea represented Duterte in court.

Vice President Sara Duterte, Senator Robin Padilla, and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque were in attendance.

Roque announced plans to enlist British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman as lead counsel, with himself and Medialdea as part of the legal team.

VP Sara addressed the crowd gathered outside the ICC.

March 17, 2025

Medialdea visited Duterte at the detention center.

March 18,2025

During a scheduled visit, Medialdea fell ill and was taken to a hospital via ambulance.

The Philippine Embassy confirmed he received immediate medical attention.

The Chamber formally announced Nicholas Kaufman as Duterte’s lead counsel.

Kaufman expressed confidence in Duterte’s defense, hinting that an early acquittal was possible.

March 19, 2025

VP Sara announced that Roque would no longer be part of her father’s legal team due to complications involving his asylum application in the Netherlands.

Roque had reappeared publicly for the first time in over six months at Duterte’s court hearing.

Kaufman began forming the full defense team.

March 21, 2025

ICC judges instructed both prosecution and defense to submit observations and address preliminary issues before the confirmation hearing.

March 23, 2025

A large gathering of Duterte supporters was held at Malieveld, The Hague, with attendees from across Europe, Canada, and the U.S.

Meanwhile, human rights advocates and lawyers representing victims of extrajudicial killings held a press conference demanding justice.

March 26, 2025

The ICC prosecutor’s office released 181 pieces of evidence cited in the arrest warrant to Duterte’s legal team.

Honeylet Avanceña and daughter Veronica visited the detention center but were unable to see Duterte.

Veronica spoke to supporters, thanking them for their continued support.

March 28, 2025

Duterte’s 80th birthday was marked with a Filipino-style potluck celebration outside the detention center.

VP Sara led the festivities and blew out candles on her father’s behalf.

Honeylet Avancena, partner of the ex-president and her daughter Veronica “Kitty” Duterte were
finally able to visit
Duterte after two failed attempts.

Veronica shared a heartfelt message.

Human rights groups held a separate memorial for EJK victims and launched the

Duterte Panagutin Network

in The Hague.

In the Philippines, similar gatherings were held by Duterte supporters, while victims’ families renewed calls for justice.

March 29–30, 2025

Supporters continued birthday celebrations outside the ICC facility.

March 31, 2025

Kaufman visited Duterte and gave an interview asserting that the ICC lacked jurisdiction due to the Philippines’ 2019 withdrawal from the Rome Statute.

The ICC maintained that it retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the Philippines was still a State Party.

April 1, 2025

VP Sara, Veronica, and Honeylet Avanceña visited Duterte together, allowing him to see both daughters in person.

In a rare interview together outside the ICC detention, the sisters spoke about unity and finding strength during difficult times.

April 4, 2025

VP Sara revealed her father’s words:
“I did it for my country.”

She concluded her work for the legal team and submitted the final required document to the ICC.

April 6, 2025

After three weeks in the Netherlands, VP Sara Duterte returned to Manila, having fulfilled both personal and legal responsibilities related to her father’s case.