Following directives from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippine (PH) Team in the United Arab Emirates—comprising the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, and the Office of the Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché—provided full consular and logistical support to former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during his layover in Dubai on 12 March 2025.
Recognizing the significance of the former President’s transit, the PH Team prepared well in advance, securing all necessary diplomatic and aviation clearances for a scheduled one-hour technical stop at Al Maktoum International Airport. This involved close coordination with UAE authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dubai Police, and airport officials, ensuring that all protocols were met for a seamless and secure transit.
Additionally, the PH Team arranged for a standby ambulance, fully equipped with medical supplies, an oxygen tank, and essential comfort provisions such as blankets and refreshments. These measures addressed any medical or logistical needs during the brief stopover.
Despite the initial plan for a one-hour stopover, unforeseen circumstances led to an extended delay as the aircraft awaited the completion of overflight clearances from various countries along its flight path to Rotterdam, the Netherlands. This unexpected extension required immediate intervention from the PH Team, which worked swiftly to ensure that the former President and his delegation remained comfortable and well-supported throughout the prolonged tarmac stay.
One of the primary concerns addressed was the provision of nourishment. The former President specifically requested hot rice meals, a familiar comfort during his travels. Despite the stringent security measures at Al Maktoum International Airport, the PH Team successfully coordinated with UAE aviation authorities to facilitate the delivery of the requested meals. Given the heightened security protocols, these meals had to be handed over to airport officials before being cleared and delivered to the aircraft.
Furthermore, the PH Team maintained constant communication with UAE authorities to ensure the smooth facilitation of security arrangements for the former President, who was under high-level protection throughout the layover. The standby ambulance, positioned near the aircraft at all times, remained on alert to respond to any potential medical concerns.
At noontime (UAE time), after all necessary clearances were secured, the former President’s flight resumed its journey to the Netherlands. Throughout the process, the PH Team in the UAE demonstrated its commitment to upholding the highest standards of service, ensuring that all necessary arrangements were in place before, during, and after the layover.
