Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday raised alarm over the condition of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
She cited hospital sources claiming the 80-year-old was found unconscious in his cell and underwent medical tests. The family, she said, was not informed of the incident.
“These alarming developments raise serious concerns about the ICC’s ability to ensure detainee safety,” she said, also accusing the ICC of neglecting basic medical needs — including treatment for a painful ingrown toenail and the denial of a 24-hour caregiver.
Duterte called the treatment “cruel,” saying her father was “abducted,” denied his legal rights, and placed under surveillance disguised as welfare checks. She also criticized a prior visit by Philippine officials, calling it a “sham” and accusing the ICC of allowing further intrusion on her father’s deteriorating health.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) responded that all visits comply with international standards and are conducted only with the detainee’s consent. It also denied the involvement of government agents.
The ICC declined to comment on the matter, citing privacy rules, but reaffirmed adherence to the Rome Statute and detainee rights.
Vice President Duterte again called for her father’s interim release, insisting he poses no flight risk and is unfit to stand trial due to cognitive impairment. The former president faces charges over alleged crimes against humanity during the Philippine drug war from 2011 to 2019.
