PH Embassy in The Hague extends assistance to Duterte, companions

The Embassy of the Philippines in The Hague provided consular assistance to former President Rodrigo Duterte who was turned over to the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Thursday following his arrest on charges of crimes against humanity.

"In view of the winter season in Europe, the Embassy prepared, procured and delivered winter clothing, change of clothes and care packages for the former President," the Embassy said in a statement.

The Embassy also said that the custody of the former President was turned over to officials of the Judicial Cooperation Unit of the Office of Registry of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The Netherlands’ Immigration Authorities, meanwhile, granted those who escorted Duterte two-day visas

"Upon the Embassy’s representation, the Netherlands’ Immigration Authorities granted those who escorted the former President, including the latter’s nurse and aide, two-day visas to enable them to rest and recover for their return flight," it added.

A 15-day visa was also issued to former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea as Duterte's counsel and has been granted permission to visit the former President on Thursday, at the ICC Detention Center in Scheveningen, The Hague.

READ: LIVE BLOG: Duterte at the Hague

Medical condition

Upon his arrival, an ICC nurse, who is part of the reception party, conferred with Duterte's personal nurse on the medical condition and requirements. 

The ICC nurse has relayed the information received to the ICC medical doctor for the conduct of medical check-up on the former president.

"Embassy officials earlier called the attention of the ICC officials and Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials on the need to closely attend to and monitor the medical and physical conditions of the former President," the Embassy said in a statement.

Upon arrangement by the embassy, ICC officials also handed over to the former President the names and contact numbers of embassy officials who can be reached by mobile phone for any consular assistance that he may need.

The Hague prison

Duterte was brought to The Hague Penitentiary Institution or the Scheveningen Prison at 7:34 p.m. (2:34 a.m. Philippine time) aboard a black vehicle.

Supporters who have gathered outside the prison chanted "We love Duterte" and "Bring him back" as the convoy entered the facility.

The plane bringing Duterte to the Netherlands landed at the Rotterdam The Hague airport at 4:54 p.m. (11:54 p.m. Philippine time).

He will be brought before an ICC judge in The Hague in the coming days for an initial appearance.

Duterte 'OK'

In a post on Facebook before landing in the Netherlands, Duterte said he was "okay."

"I think this has something to do with law and order before. I tell the police and the military to work and I will answer for you. So this is it," Duterte said in a mix of English and Tagalog in a video he said was taken as he was "about to land."

He said the flight came from Dubai, where his party had a layover.

"Okay ako. Do not worry," Duterte said.

The video was posted on the Rody Duterte Facebook page. — with reports from Michaela del Callar/ BAP/ VAL, GMA Integrated News