Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has made his first appearance via video link at the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands, where he faces murder charges related to his “war on drugs.

Duterte, 79, appeared at the hearing via videolink, with Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc citing his prior “long journey."

In an International Criminal Court hearing in The Hague, Rodrigo Duterte's lawyer calls the politician's arrest in Manila 'pure and simple kidnapping.'

By Stephanie van den Berg and Anthony Deutsch THE HAGUE - Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte makes his first appearance at the International Criminal Court in The Hague on Friday, where he faces murder allegations stemming from his "war on drugs".

Jailed former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has appeared by videoconference before judges at the International Criminal Court.

I said this already, that I will protect you, and I will be responsible for everything," Duterte said. His remarks were his first since being put on a plane to The Hague. Duterte was taken into custody by the ICC on Wednesday following his arrest in Manila on murder charges linked to his "war on drugs" in which thousands of purported dealers and users were killed.