THE HAGUE, Netherlands, March 13, (AP): The International Criminal Court took custody of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday on a warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity for deadly anti-drugs crackdowns he oversaw while in office. Rights groups and families of victims hailed Duterte’s arrest, and the court’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, called it "a crucial step in our continuous work to ensure accountability for the victims of the most serious crimes under ICC jurisdiction.”

Supporters of Duterte criticized the administration of current Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Duterte's political rival, for arresting and surrendering the former leader to a court whose jurisdiction his supporters dispute. The 79-year-old former president arrived in the Netherlands on a flight from Manila, where he was arrested on an ICC request Tuesday.

The Dutch-based court said in a statement that medical assistance was made available to Duterte as a precaution, in line with standard procedures when a suspect arrives. The court did not comment on his state of health. An ambulance drove to the hangar where his plane was taken, and medics wheeled a gurney inside. A police helicopter hovered close to the airport, and later a black SUV was seen leaving the airport accompanied by police.

Its destination was not immediately clear. Crowds gathered outside the detention center for ICC suspects. The Philippine Embassy in The Hague provided consular assistance to Duterte upon his arrival, including winter clothing and care packages, the Philippine Foreign Ministry said in a statement issued Thursday in Manila.

Within days, Duterte will face an initial appearance where the court will confirm his identity, check that he understands the charges against him and set a date for a hearing to assess if prosecutors have sufficient evidence to send him to a full trial. If his case goes to trial and he is convicted, Duterte could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

"This is a monumental and long-overdue step for justice for thousands of victims and their families," said Jerrie Abella of Amnesty International. "It is therefore a hopeful sign for them, as well, in the Philippines and beyond, as it shows that suspected perpetrators of the worst crimes, including government leaders, will face justice wherever they are in the world,” Abella added. Emily Soriano, the mother of a victim of the crackdowns, said she wanted more officials to face justice.