The former president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, appeared before judges at the International Criminal Court in The Hague on Friday, days after his arrest in Manila on murder charges linked to the deadly “war on drugs” that he oversaw while in office.

The arrest represents a significant victory for the I.C.C., but only a narrow set of circumstances made it possible.

By Stephanie van den Berg THE HAGUE - Following a request from the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Philippines arrested former President Rodrigo Duterte due to an investigation into thousands of killings in a violent crackdown on drugs that was the hallmark of his rule.

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

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, 79, appeared at the court hearing on a video screen from a nearby detention centre in The Hague. View on euronews

Ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested Tuesday on an Interpol arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court amid accusations that he committed crimes against humanity during his war on drugs.

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.

STORY: Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made his first appearance before the International Criminal Court on Friday where he faces murder allegations.Duterte spoke via video link from a detention unit.