Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte skipped his first ICC hearing in The Hague, appearing via video link due to exhaustion from his flight after his arrest.

Accused of crimes against humanity over his deadly war on drugs, Duterte was taken into ICC custody upon arriving in the Netherlands.

He acknowledged responsibility in a video message.

The 79-year-old, reportedly in poor health, is the first Asian ex-leader to face trial at the ICC, NBC News has reported.

Prosecutors will present evidence in a later hearing, with a trial likely in 2026.

Written by B.C. Begley