The mystery of RP-C5219: Who owns the jet that flew Duterte to The Hague?
A closer look at the enigmatic Gulfstream G550 that transported the former president amid speculation and secrecy.
A Gulfstream G550 plane believed to carry former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is seen after landing at Rotterdam The Hague Airport, following Dutertre's arrest on an International Criminal Court warrant tied to his deadly crackdown on drugs, on 12 March 2025. The 79-year-old faces a charge of "the crime against humanity of murder", according to the ICC, for a crackdown that rights groups estimate killed tens of thousands of mostly poor men, often without proof they were linked to drugs.
JOHN THYS / AFP
A private Gulfstream G550 jet, registered as RP-C5219, has become the center of intrigue after it was used to transport former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague, Netherlands, amid his International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings. While the plane’s movements have been meticulously tracked, its ownership remains an enigma, fueling speculation and debate.
A flight cloaked in mystery
Duterte’s journey reportedly began at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) on 11 March 2025, with a stopover at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in Dubai before heading to Rotterdam (RTM) in the Netherlands. Despite its high-profile passenger, the aircraft’s origins and ownership remain unclear.
Who owns RP-C5219?
Initial rumors linked the jet to business magnate Ramon Ang, a known aviation enthusiast and the owner of the largest private aircraft fleet in the Philippines. However, sources close to Ang swiftly denied any association with RP-C5219.
Another name that surfaced was that of Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co. His camp quickly issued a formal statement denying ownership, urging the public to verify facts before spreading misinformation.
A corporate smokescreen
Official records trace RP-C5219 back to Pacific Asian Pearl Airways Inc., a company with little public presence. This has led to speculation that the jet might be linked to an influential billionaire who discreetly owns a fleet of private aircraft. Insiders claim the plane once belonged to a prominent business figure who has since passed control of his empire to a successor with little interest in aviation.
A flight without a visa
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed that some personnel accompanying Duterte were unable to proceed beyond the aircraft due to visa issues. This suggests a lack of preparation for their arrival in the Netherlands, adding yet another layer of mystery to the flight’s circumstances.
To address this, Dutch immigration authorities issued two-day visas to Duterte’s nurse and aide, ensuring they had time to rest before their scheduled departure.
Meanwhile, former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, who serves as Duterte’s legal counsel, was granted a 15-day visa, allowing him to visit the former president at the ICC Detention Center in Scheveningen.
The most tracked flight in the world
The unprecedented attention on RP-C5219 has made it the most tracked flight worldwide on Flightradar24, with thousands following its movements in real time.
While the jet has now completed its mission of ferrying Duterte to The Hague, the question remains: who truly owns RP-C5219, and why is its ownership so closely guarded?
The mystery continues to unfold.