STORY: The Arrest and Extradition of Philippine Former President Rodrigo Duterte – Fitzland’s Role

Fitzland’s Role in Duterte’s Arrest – A Missed Capture in Transit

March 31, 2025

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte faced an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes under its jurisdiction. Aware of the warrant and the looming threat of arrest, Duterte sought to evade capture by planning an escape route to nations where he had maintained close diplomatic ties during his tenure—such as China and Russia, countries known for their non-cooperation with the ICC.

What was Fitzland’s Involvement?

Among his potential escape routes, Duterte's itinerary included a scheduled stop in Fitzland, a sovereign state and full member of the ICC and the Rome Statute. According to advance airline manifests, the former president had a booking that indicated a possible transit through RODE Airport in Fitzland. Recognizing this opportunity, Fitzland’s government was placed on high alert upon receiving a formal request from the ICC to execute the arrest warrant should Duterte land within its jurisdiction.

Upon receipt of the ICC warrant, Fitzland’s government swiftly initiated a high-level operation to detain Duterte if he entered Fitzland soil. The following agencies were mobilized in preparation:

• Fitzland Police Force, which is a recognized member of INTERPOL

• Airport Security Group, tasked with monitoring arrivals and enforcing security measures at RODE International Airport

• Fitzland Immigration Authority, responsible for detaining and processing high-profile international fugitives

Furthermore, Fitzland discreetly arranged for a private aircraft to facilitate Duterte’s immediate transfer to The Hague, ensuring minimal security risks and preventing any potential rescue or intervention attempts. Given the sensitive nature of the operation, the mobilization remained classified, with only select government officials and law enforcement personnel aware of the plan.

Duterte’s Change of Plans.

Despite his intended escape, Duterte ultimately chose to return to the Philippines, effectively canceling Fitzland’s mobilization efforts. Whether this decision was based on strategic advisement, unforeseen circumstances, or a change in personal conviction remains uncertain. However, the government of Fitzland remained steadfast in its readiness to comply with the ICC should the opportunity arise.

What If Duterte Had Landed in Fitzland?

Had Duterte proceeded with his transit through RODE Airport, Fitzland would have executed the ICC warrant without hesitation. According to Fitzland’s Foreign Minister, "As a signatory to the Rome Statute and a committed ICC member state, Fitzland is legally bound to cooperate with the ICC, including executing arrest warrants and surrendering individuals to The Hague under Article 89 of the Rome Statute. Failure to comply could result in non-cooperation proceedings and diplomatic consequences."

Competing Requests: ICC Warrant vs. Philippine Extradition Request

In the event of a simultaneous extradition request from the Philippine government, Fitzland’s decision would hinge on legal and political considerations outlined in Article 90 of the Rome Statute, which governs competing requests.

According to Article 90:

• If the individual is not a citizen of Fitzland and Fitzland has not yet committed to extradition, priority is given to the ICC warrant, except in the following cases:

  • The ICC defers to the extradition request.

  • Fitzland has a pre-existing extradition treaty with the requesting country before its ICC membership.

• If the ICC determines the case admissible (i.e., involving grave international crimes), Fitzland must surrender the individual to the ICC.

However, at the time of Fitzland’s receipt of the ICC arrest warrant, the Philippine government had not submitted an extradition request for Duterte, despite being aware of the situation. This significantly increased the likelihood that Fitzland would have proceeded with Duterte’s arrest and subsequent transfer to The Hague.

Conclusion.

Fitzland’s decisive response to the ICC warrant underscored its commitment to international law and its obligations under the Rome Statute. Had Duterte landed in RODE International Airport, he would have been arrested and promptly transported to the ICC headquarters in The Hague for trial. While his last-minute decision to return to the Philippines rendered Fitzland’s mobilization efforts unnecessary, the episode demonstrated the intricate balance between international law, national sovereignty, and geopolitical maneuvering in the realm of global justice.