MANILA — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is under the custody of the International Criminal Court in its detention facility in Scheveningen, The Hague, the ICC spokersperson confirmed Thursday. 

This, after former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said that they do not know where Duterte is, and was reportedly told he was not inside the facility.

In a message to ABS-CBN News, ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah said Duterte underwent medical check ups as part of the standard procedure.

“M. Duterte is under ICC custody at the ICC detention centre in Scheveningen. He was admitted today following all medical checks,” he said.

“When a suspect arrives in ICC custody, the Court as standard practice takes measures to protect the health and well-being of the suspect,” El Abdallah added.

El Abdallah also said the court will announce the schedule for the initial appearance of Duterte.

In an earlier interview with ABS-CBN News outside the detention center, Medialdea said they asked the ICC to bring Duterte to the hospital as soon as they landed due to his poor health. 

The ICC agreed, but Medialdea said they were not informed which hospital he was brought to.

He was later told Duterte was not inside the detention facility when he tried to visit him.

‘We don't know where he is’: Duterte not in ICC detention center, Medialdea says

Duterte earlier arrived at the Scheveningen detention center in The Hague on Wednesday night (March 12) where he will be detained while facing murder charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

He is expected to stay at the ICC Detention Centre, which is located within the prison facility.

Duterte, who led the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, was arrested early on Tuesday in Manila, marking the biggest step yet in the ICC's probe into alleged crimes against humanity during an anti-drugs crackdown that killed thousands and drew condemnation around the world.

Pro-Duterte supporters have gathered outside the prison, before his arrival, holding banners, chanting Duterte's name and waving Philippines flags.

Duterte, 79, could become the first Asian former head of state to go on trial at the ICC in The Hague.

The ICC's warrant for his arrest says that as president, Duterte created, funded and armed death squads that carried out murders of purported drug users and dealers.

In coming days, he will be brought before a judge and the allegations will be read out in court. Prosecutors accuse him of crimes against humanity for systematic attacks that led to dozens of murders. - with reports from Reuters