FACT CHECK: Chinese warplane did not escort plane carrying Duterte to ICC

Claim: A Chinese warplane escorted the chartered plane that carried former president Rodrigo Duterte to the Hague following his arrest through an order by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: As of writing, the TikTok reel posted on March 12 has accumulated 5.5 million views, 320,000 likes, and 11,500 comments. The reel has also been shared 16,300 times. 

The text in the reel reads: “Latest Update: March 12, 2025. China at Russia nagpakita ng support kay FPRRD. Pinalibutan ang private plane ni FPRRD ng warplane ng China.” 

(Latest Update: March 12, 2025. China and Russia expressed support for former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte. His plane was escorted by a Chinese warplane.)

The reel also includes a clip of a supposed Chinese fighter jet in flight. 

The facts: No official reports from credible news sources or government agencies confirm the claim that a Chinese warplane escorted the plane carrying Duterte to the Hague. The video offers no evidence to back up its claim.

The former president faces charges of crimes against humanity over his bloody war on drugs. On March 11, he was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport over a warrant issued by the ICC. He was then brought to Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, where a chartered plane bound for the Netherlands took off at 11:03 pm. Duterte arrived in the Netherlands at 11:53 pm on March 12 (Manila time) following a layover in Dubai. (READ: Inside story: Rodrigo Duterte’s ICC arrest)

According to Department of the Interior and Local Government secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla, the plane that carried Duterte was chartered by the Office of the President. 

“The plane is a leased plane by the Office of the President. It’s a multi-year contract and they [the government] exercised their hours on that lease,” he said.

China’s reaction: In response to questions regarding Duterte’s arrest, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on March 11 that the ICC must not exercise “double standards.” Duterte enjoyed friendly ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his presidency. 

In 2018, Duterte expressed appreciation for Xi, saying: “I just simply love Xi Jinping. He understands my problem and is willing to help. I’d like to say, thank you China.”

At the 48th birthday party of Duterte’s former foreign secretary, Alan Peter Cayetano, in October 2018, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that Duterte was “the most respected and the most important friend for President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people.”

Preliminary hearing: Duterte appeared via video link before the ICC for the first time on March 14. In the preliminary hearing, Duterte was asked to confirm his identity and was made aware of the charges against him. (READ: ICC warrant: Rodrigo Duterte used DDS, law enforcers to kill ‘criminals’)

The former president is detained at Scheveningen prison in The Hague while waiting for the confirmation of charges hearing, which is scheduled for September 23. (READ: Still confused? Answering the most common questions about Duterte’s ICC arrest)

Debunked: Rappler has debunked similar claims regarding Duterte’s arrest and the ICC:

• FACT CHECK: Post misrepresents number of killings in ICC charges vs Duterte
• FACT CHECK: Fake quote cards expressing support for Duterte cite fictional characters
• FACT CHECK: Contrary to claims, ICC retains jurisdiction over PH drug war cases
• FACT CHECK: Contrary to claim, news report did not state ICC dismissal of Duterte case

– Ramon Franco Verano/Rappler.com

Ramon Franco Verano is a graduate of Rappler’s volunteer program. He is a fourth year History student at the University of Santo Tomas. This fact check was reviewed by a member of Rappler’s research team and a senior editor. Learn more about Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program here.

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