Look: When Ex-President Duterte Stopped At Dubai Airport Before His ICC Detention

2026-03-10 11:17:06

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

While inside the plane, Duterte released a video saying:“Do not worry, I'm okay.” Since March 12, 2025, he has been under ICC custody, facing charges for crimes against humanity

PUBLISHED: Wed 11 Mar 2026, 6:00 AM

By:
Angel Tesorero

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A year ago today, March 11, former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte was arrested upon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from Hong Kong. The arrest warrant was issued four days earlier on March 7, 2025, by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the crimes against humanity of murder and attempted murder, allegedly committed between November 1, 2011 and March 16, 2019 in the context of Duterte's 'war on drugs' campaign.

The arresting team was led by then-CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) director and eventually PNP (Philippine National Police) chief Nicolas Torre, who temporarily held Duterte at Villamor Air Base.

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Duterte was defiant, believing the Philippine Supreme Court would step in and prevent his arrest. "The Supreme Court will not agree to that (ICC arrest). We do not have an extradition treaty," he said on Instagram live. His daughter, Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, was equally emphatic, saying her father was being "forcibly taken to The Hague.”

But Torre's arresting team was more assertive. Eventually, a Gulfstream G550 jet carried Duterte and left Manila at around 7pm (UAE time) on Tuesday (March 11, 2025).

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As Khaleej Times reported, the private jet landed at 4.04am the following day (March 12) at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). It was originally scheduled for a one-hour stopover in Dubai for refueling before heading to Rotterdam The Hague Airport.

Unforeseen circumstances, however, caused some delay, noted the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai in a Facebook post.“Despite the initial plan for a one-hour stopover, unforeseen circumstances led to an extended delay as the aircraft awaited the completion of overflight clearances from various countries along its flight path to Rotterdam.

“This unexpected extension required immediate intervention from the Philippine team, which worked swiftly to ensure that the former President and his delegation remained comfortable and well-supported throughout the prolonged tarmac stay,” shared the Philippine Consulate, pointing out Duterte was given“full support” during his 'Dubai stopover'.

The Philippine mission said they maintained“constant communication with UAE authorities to ensure the smooth facilitation of security arrangements for the former President, who was under high-level protection throughout the layover.” An ambulance was positioned near the aircraft. It was fully equipped with medical supplies and ready respond to any potential medical concerns of Duterte, who was then 79 years old.

Part of the“full consular and logistical support” for Duterte during his extended Dubai stopover, according to the Consulate, was the provision of food.

“The former President specifically requested hot rice meals, a familiar comfort during his travels. Despite the stringent security measures at (DWC), the Philippine team successfully coordinated with UAE aviation authorities to facilitate the delivery of the requested meals. Given the heightened security protocols, these meals had to be handed over to airport officials before being cleared and delivered to the aircraft.”

That photo and short video clip of Duterte wearing white shirt, blue pants and sneakers – seating comfortably inside a private jet and enjoying a packed meal – considerably became viral.

Equally important was a two-minute video Duterte made and addressed to his supporters, where he admitted:“For whatever happened in the past, I took full responsibility - it was my job - and I am responsible,” noting that the ICC trial he was about to face would be a long legal battle.

“Do not worry, I'm okay,” he said in a mix of Tagalog and English.“This (trial) has something to do with the law and order. I told the military and police to work, and I will take full responsibility – this (arrest) is it.”

The private jet with tail number RP-C5219 left DWC at 11.58am on Wednesday (March 12, 2025), and Duterte became the first Asian former head of state to appear before the ICC, where he is facing charges that human rights groups estimate killed thousands of mostly poor men, often without proof they were linked to drugs.