Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte will not receive family visits on Christmas and New Year after the International Criminal Court enforced restrictions that suspend holiday access for detainees.
The confirmation came from his youngest daughter, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, who relayed the development during a conversation on vlogger Alvin & Tourism’s Facebook page and said she personally informed her father of the rule.
“He just learned of it a while ago. Honestly, he was quite disappointed…when I told him that we couldn’t visit on the days which are Christmas and New Year, but I did tell him that I’ll just wait for him there and shout or something. I told him that we’re close, we’re just close. We’re outside. His family, Mira, my mother and I will be outside along with his Filipino supporters. Also, obviously, his foreign supporters,” Kitty said.
She explained that detainees typically organize their own observances inside the facility, though participation is optional.
“I do not know when or how they’re going to do it. I just know that they usually gather together. It’s up to him if he wants to join,” she said.
Kitty arrived in The Hague on December 19 and described a recent visit as longer and less emotionally charged than the first.
“I think (the visit) today was better, also longer since I arrived before the time started. I arrived around 1:15 (p.m.) Better in a way also because it was less emotional. I mean, always the first visit is the most emotional. So, today was good. Today was more lively,” she said.
During their meeting, she shared updates from home, including developments in Davao, and said her father responded with his usual commentary.
“There were lots of talks, mostly about family but he did ask news about the Philippines, of course, and Davao most of all. I updated him with some of the important news and as usual, knowing him, he gave his opinions, he gave his thoughts about it,” she added.
Kitty said they ended the visit with a prayer and described her father’s condition as steady.
“He seemed OK. Obviously, not in the best state but he is strong as usual,” she said.
Duterte is being held in connection with charges of crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
