On March 11, 2025, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested upon his arrival at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for crimes against humanity related to his administration’s controversial war on drugs. This arrest marked a significant moment in Philippine history, as Duterte became the first Asian former head of state to face trial at the ICC.
In the wake of Duterte’s arrest and subsequent extradition to The Hague, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a long-time aide and confidant of the former president, took to his official Facebook account to share updates on Duterte’s condition. On March 12, 2025, Senator Go posted a series of photos and a video depicting Duterte aboard the plane en route to The Hague. The images showed the former president seated comfortably, accompanied by his assistant, a nurse, and his former executive secretary, Salvador Medialdea. In the video, Duterte appeared to be enjoying a meal, displaying a demeanor that, despite noticeable shaking, conveyed resilience and composure.
The arrest stems from allegations of widespread extrajudicial killings during Duterte’s tenure from 2016 to 2022, a period during which his administration’s anti-drug operations reportedly led to thousands of deaths. While official police records cite approximately 6,200 fatalities, human rights organizations argue that the actual number could be as high as 30,000. The ICC’s investigation focuses on these alleged human rights violations, asserting jurisdiction over crimes committed before the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019.
Senator Go’s decision to share these personal moments of Duterte has elicited mixed reactions from the public and political figures alike. Supporters of the former president view the posts as a testament to Duterte’s enduring spirit and strength in the face of adversity. They argue that his calm demeanor during the flight underscores his readiness to confront the charges head-on. Conversely, critics perceive the posts as an attempt to garner sympathy and divert attention from the gravity of the allegations he faces.
The close relationship between Senator Go and Duterte is well-documented, with Go having served as Duterte’s special assistant and often referred to as his most trusted aide. This bond has continued into Go’s senatorial career, where he has consistently defended Duterte’s policies and actions. By sharing these updates, Senator Go appears to be maintaining his unwavering support for the former president, aiming to humanize him amidst the ongoing legal proceedings.
As Duterte awaits his hearing at the ICC, the international community watches closely. Human rights advocates hail his arrest and extradition as a pivotal step toward accountability and justice for the victims of the drug war. Families of those affected have expressed renewed hope that the legal process will shed light on the alleged abuses and bring closure to their prolonged anguish.
However, the situation has also intensified political tensions within the Philippines. Duterte’s allies and family members have criticized the arrest, labeling it a violation of Philippine sovereignty and an act of political persecution. They argue that Duterte should be tried within the country’s judicial system rather than by an international tribunal. This perspective underscores the deep divisions in Philippine society regarding Duterte’s legacy and the broader implications of his trial.
Senator Bong Go’s recent social media posts provide a rare glimpse into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s current circumstances as he faces serious charges at the ICC. These updates have sparked a spectrum of reactions, reflecting the complex and polarized views surrounding Duterte’s presidency and the ongoing quest for justice in the Philippines.