Duterte takes responsibility for Philippines drug war, anticipates long ICC battle

Duterte is fortunate, there's due process for him. There was no due process for my son

Angelito ... said Emily Soriano at a press briefing organised by a local rights group

This is kidnapping. They just put him on a plane and brought him here,

he told AFP

This will be a long legal proceeding, but I say to you, I will continue to serve my country. And so be it, if that is my destiny,

Duterte said, while assuring his supporters he was well

The ICC has no right to apprehend a citizen of the Philippines."

On a social media platform, one netizen remarked

Interpol asked for help, and we obliged because we have commitments to the Interpol which we have to fulfill. If we don't do that, they will not - they will no longer help us with other cases involving Filipino fugitives abroad,

He said ... according to the Presidential Communications Office

Many Filipinos perceive the move as inviting external intervention into internal conflicts, and the former president still enjoys significant support among the populace. Unfortunately, as a sovereign nation, the Philippines fails to fulfill its obligation to protect its own citizens,

he stated

This is a crucial step in our continuous work to ensure accountability for the victims of the most serious crimes under ICC jurisdiction,

the ICC said on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila).

The arrest of Rodrigo Duterte is a great signal for international criminal justice. It means that no one is above the law... There will be a day of justice for everyone... even powerful men such as Rodrigo Duterte,

Andres added

Mr. Duterte is alleged to have committed these crimes as part of a widespread and systematic attack directed against the civilian population,

the ICC said

I told the police and military just do your job and I will bear responsibility. So, this is it,

he stated

There has been no due process,

said caregiver Duds Quibin, 50

My clients are very thankful to God because their prayers have been answered."

Speaking to AFP outside the ICC, Gilbert Andres, a lawyer representing victims of the drug war, said

It was a long flight. I'm okay, don't worry,

he said in a video message posted on his official Facebook page shortly after midnight on Thursday (Manila time).

The Office is now commencing preparations towards the initial appearance and subsequent judicial proceedings before the Court,

the ICC said

I am the one who led our law enforcement and military. I said that I will protect you and I will be responsible for all of this,

Duterte told his country, in a video shared on his and a close advisor's Facebook pages as he was about to land

It is therefore a hopeful sign for them, as well, in the Philippines and beyond, as it shows that suspected perpetrators of the worst crimes, including government leaders, will face justice wherever they are in the world,

she added

Mr Rodrigo Roa Duterte ... was surrendered to the custody of the International Criminal Court,

the ICC said in a statement

I confirm the plane landed,

ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah told reporters on Wednesday afternoon

We are with Duterte."

But a handful of pro-Duterte protesters also gathered outside the ICC, chanting

I was surprised and felt as if I had been brought back to life because what we have been fighting for is finally coming to fruition — we are finally getting justice for our loved ones who were taken from us,

said Jerica Ann Pico, the widow of a man who was killed during the war on drugs