Former president Rodrigo Duterte spoke candidly during his journey to The Hague, acknowledging the legal challenges he faces related to his controversial war on drugs, which has led to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“I’m about to land sa Hague, galing ako Dubai nag-stopover. It’s a long haul; it’s a long flight,” Duterte said in a video posted on social media on Thursday midnight, reassuring his supporters that he was in good health. “Okay ako, do not worry,” he added.

Duterte, who led the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, has faced significant international criticism for his aggressive anti-drug campaign.

However, in his statement, he reinforced that his actions were always motivated by a desire to protect the country and the Filipino people.

“This has something to do sa law and order noon. At sinasabi ko naman sa mga pulis at military na mag-trabaho kayo at ako ang managot. So, ito na nga,” Duterte explained.

“For whatever happened in the past, ako na iyung mag-front sa ating law enforcement at military. Sinabi ko na I will protect you; ako na ang managot sa lahat,” he continued.

Duterte emphasized that his leadership and actions during his presidency were driven by a commitment to protect the nation’s security and maintain peace.

“This will be a long legal proceeding, but I will continue to serve my country. And so be it kung ganun ang destiny,“ he declared.