E-Paper
Sign In
UAE: Philippine Consulate says Duterte given 'full support' during 'Dubai stopover'
The private jet was originally scheduled for a one-hour stopover in Dubai for refueling before heading to Rotterdam The Hague Airport
- PUBLISHED: Thu 13 Mar 2025, 2:51 PM
The Philippine missions in the UAE said they provided “full consular and logistical support for former president Rodrigo Duterte during his extended Dubai stopover” on Wednesday en route to The Hague to face the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a Facebook post on Thursday, the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai said: “Recognising the significance of the former president’s transit, the Philippine team prepared well in advance, securing all necessary diplomatic and aviation clearances for a scheduled one-hour technical stop at Al Maktoum International Airport. This involved close coordination with UAE authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dubai Police, and airport officials, ensuring that all protocols were met for a seamless and secure transit.”
Recommended For You
Duterte, who served as the Philippine president from 2016 to 2022, was arrested early on Tuesday in Manila, following the issuance of arrest warrant by the ICC through the Interpol. Duterte is set to face trial at the ICC for his "war on drugs", a controversial policy that killed thousands of Filipinos and drew condemnation around the world when he was in office
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
The Gulfstream G550 jet that carried Duterte left the Philippines at around 7pm (UAE time) on Tuesday (March 11) — the day he was taken into police custody upon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from Hong Kong.
The private jet landed at 4.04am on Wednesday (March 12) at the Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), according to online flight trackers. It was originally scheduled for a one-hour stopover in Dubai for refueling before heading to Rotterdam The Hague Airport.
Unforeseen circumstances
“Despite the initial plan for a one-hour stopover,” the Philippine Consulate noted “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 PH Team, which worked swiftly to ensure that the former President and his delegation remained comfortable and well-supported throughout the prolonged tarmac stay.”
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. The standby ambulance, positioned near the aircraft at all times, remained on alert to respond to any potential medical concerns.
Duterte requested hot rice meals
The Philippine Consulate said: “One of the primary concerns addressed was the provision of nourishment. The former President specifically requested hot rice meals, a familiar comfort during his travels.
“Despite the stringent security measures at (DWC), the Philippine (PH) 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.”
“The PH Team arranged for a standby ambulance, fully equipped with medical supplies, an oxygen tank, and essential comfort provisions such as blankets and refreshments. These measures addressed any medical or logistical needs during the brief stopover,” the consulate added.
The private jet with tail number RP-C5219 left DWC at 11.58am on Wednesday.
“After all necessary clearances were secured, the former president’s flight resumed its journey to The Netherlands. Throughout the process, the PH Team in the UAE demonstrated its commitment to upholding the highest standards of service, ensuring that all necessary arrangements were in place before, during, and after the layover,” the consulate added.
’I am responsible’
Before he landed in Rotterdam, the 79-year old former Philippine leader released a two-minute video addressed to his supporters, saying: “Do not worry, I’m okay.”
Duterte, 79, and the first Asian former head of state to appear before the ICC, also repeated his mantra of taking full responsibility for his ‘war on drugs’. In a mix of Tagalog and English, he said: “This (trial) has something to do with the law and order before. I told the military and police to work and I will take full responsibility – this (arrest) is it.”
“For whatever happened in the past, I took full responsibility — it was my job — and I am responsible,” he added, also noting that the ICC trial will be a long legal battle.
Meanwhile, the ICC said in an earlier statement: (Duterte) was arrested by the authorities of the Republic of the Philippines in accordance with an arrest warrant issued... for charges of murder as a crime against humanity."
