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

In an International Criminal Court hearing in The Hague, Rodrigo Duterte's lawyer calls the politician's arrest in Manila 'pure and simple kidnapping.'

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

Duterte will be taken to a coastal detention unit near The Hague where several infamous war crimes suspects were held.

Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on a warrant from the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity.

M ANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested Tuesday on a warrant from the International Criminal Court accusing him of crimes against humanity, the Philippine government said.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was "abducted" before being taken to The Hague to face murder allegations and is too ill to give evidence, his lawyer told International Criminal Court judges at his initial appearance on Friday.

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

I said this already, that I will protect you, and I will be responsible for everything," Duterte said. His remarks were his first since being put on a plane to The Hague. Duterte was taken into custody by the ICC on Wednesday following his arrest in Manila on murder charges linked to his "war on drugs" in which thousands of purported dealers and users were killed.