Filipinos in The Hague, Netherlands gathered outside of the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facility where former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was taken on March 12, 2025 after a warrant of arrest was served upon him on March 11, 2025 for alleged crimes against humanity in relation to his administration's war on drugs. 

A video taken by an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), identified as Jha Ja, showed Filipino supporters who rushed in the vicinity of the ICC detention facility for Duterte's arrival. 

In an exclusive interview with GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak, Jha said that just like the rest who trooped to the area, she sought leave from work to be able to participate in the gathering.

She said her participation is a response to the call of other pro-Duterte OFWs. However, she said she did not see Duterte's actual entry in the facility.

Jha, a resident of The Hague for seven years already, said her coming to Scheveningen (the site) is her way of verifying that Duterte is safe and that he is treated appropriately. 

“Gusto ko lang talagang makitang maayos, nating mga Filipino, na nandito, na safe si Tatay Digong since senior citizen na sya. Gusto naming malaman na safe siyang nakarating dito,” she said.

Just like the rest, she further said, they were surprised at the quick pace that Duterte was flown in from the Philippines to The Hague hours after the arrest warrant issued by the ICC was served upon him.

Jha emphasized that because there was a horde of OFWs outside of the detention facility, the gathering turned out to be a demonstration according to local laws. They were given by the authorities a limited time to stay outside of the facility.

She mentioned that aside from Duterte supporters, there were also anti-Duterte individuals who converged in the location.

Jha added that following the said gathering, a larger convergence of supporters in Europe is mulled.

“Pero sa ngayon wala pang concrete plans at wala rin po kami sa position na i-request yan - pero kung mabibigyan ng pagkakataon sana sa Pilipinas na siya mag-stay since senior citizen na siya and kailangan niya ng family support,” Jha added.

(via GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak Desk)