Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is reportedly in deteriorating health while under detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, according to his ally Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
During a visit to Davao Oriental on Monday, Dela Rosa said Duterte has grown alarmingly weak and is struggling to stand on his own. He renewed the call for the former leader’s temporary release from ICC custody.
“Skin and bones nga daw… hirap na nga raw tumayo,” he told ABS-CBN News, appealing for leniency given Duterte’s age and physical state. “Hindi naman siya flight risk… matanda na yun eh, mapagbigyan na sana.”
The Senate recently approved a resolution asking the ICC to consider placing Duterte under house arrest for humanitarian reasons. Dela Rosa said the document will be sent to The Hague in the hope that it will “carry the weight of the Senate.”
The former police chief, who implemented Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign, joked about possibly visiting the former president but admitted concern about being detained himself, saying he would “make sure they don’t lock me up there.”
The ICC detained Duterte in March following an arrest warrant that accused him of crimes against humanity for allegedly directing and funding death squads during his presidency. His initial hearing via video link took place on March 14, while the confirmation of charges, originally scheduled for September 23, was postponed at the request of his defense.
An ICC spokesperson, Fadi El Abdallah, declined to discuss Duterte’s health but assured that the court “takes all necessary measures” to safeguard the wellbeing of detainees.
The tribunal earlier denied a petition from Duterte’s lawyers seeking his interim release.
