Anger and relief in Philippines over Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest: ‘my prayers answered’

Diehard supporters of arrested Philippine ex-president Rodrigo Duterte have staged protests across the country’s south, even as legal experts say his chances of a recourse in proceedings at The Hague appear bleak.

The 79-year-old was held under an International Criminal Court warrant over his brutal crackdown on drugs while in office.

In Davao City, a Duterte stronghold, protesters rallied outside the city hall on Tuesday hours after police took him into custody at Manila airport following his arrival from Hong Kong.

The former leader was later flown to The Hague in the Netherlands to face charges of crimes against humanity.

Duterte’s backers also called on others to keep up the fight on social media as anger and agitations over his arrest intensified across the country.

“His arrest has no basis. I am angry about what is happening. Let’s unite and show our support,” said former politician Jimmy Dureza.