The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte remains in its custody, dispelling rumors suggesting he had been released.
Caroline Maurel, an ICC outreach officer, clarified in an Inquirer.net report that there has been no change in Duterte’s status. Citing ICC spokesperson Fadi El-Abdallah, she stated, “He is still in the ICC detention center.” Maurel also emphasized that any change in detention status would be officially announced by the court.
Speculation around Duterte’s release surfaced after his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, declined to address the reports while in The Hague. “I know the answer, but I will not comment as I am not sure if it is allowed on my level,” she told reporters.
The rumors followed the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I’s decision to defer judgment on Duterte’s appeal for interim release. The chamber, led by Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, agreed by majority to delay the ruling either until the defense makes further submissions or the court finds it appropriate to proceed. The chamber clarified that the decision should not be interpreted as prejudging the merits of the case.
Duterte has been detained at The Hague since his arrest over alleged crimes against humanity tied to his administration’s anti-drug campaign, “Oplan Tokhang.” The controversial campaign is officially linked to over 6,000 deaths, though human rights organizations estimate the number could be more than triple that figure.
