The Netherlands has emerged as the possible host country for former President Rodrigo Duterte if the International Criminal Court (ICC) approves his interim release, according to Atty. Maria Kristina Conti, assistant to counsel before the tribunal.
In an interview on DZMM Teleradyo, Conti said court records indicate that the Dutch territory could initially receive Duterte. “The Netherlands. Obvious kasi it will be a transit country papunta sa second or third country. Pero sinabi ng defense na una irerelease muna into Dutch territory,” she explained. She added that the defense has also suggested Duterte could remain there for the duration of his release, describing it as a potential “house arrest” arrangement.
Duterte, facing charges of crimes against humanity over his war on drugs, is currently detained in The Hague while awaiting the ICC’s confirmation of charges. His lawyers have pressed the pre-trial chamber to rule on their petition for interim release, citing long delays and unresolved issues surrounding his medical evaluation.
Conti underscored that the court’s decision will hinge on strict conditions, not geography. “Kung sa akin, hindi yung bansa ang importante, sa totoo lang, kundi ’yung kondisyones,” she said, pointing to risk factors such as avoiding new crimes, refraining from interfering with witnesses or the judicial process, and ensuring Duterte’s return to court.
She noted that recent incidents—including allegations that Duterte’s partner Honeylet Avanceña struck a guard during his arrest, and Vice President Sara Duterte’s vlog joking about a “jailbreak”—have been flagged by prosecutors as signs of possible non-cooperation. “Parang magpo-point siya na naku, parang hindi na babalik ito,” Conti remarked.
On claims by the Vice President that her father was found unconscious in detention, Conti stressed that the ICC has clear protocols to protect detainees’ physical and mental health, with medical professionals on standby. She dismissed suggestions that private medical information would casually reach the family, emphasizing that professionals are bound by confidentiality.
For families of drug war victims, Conti said Duterte’s health remains crucial to ensuring accountability. “Gusto nila healthy si Duterte para buhay. Para magsimula ang trial,” she said. “Kami ang dehado kung mamatay si Duterte na matatapos ang proceeding at walang mangyayaring truth seeking… Kailangan may katarungan.”
She urged the Vice President to raise any genuine concerns directly with the ICC, warning that public pronouncements may only muddy the process. “’Yung decision ng court will not be affected by public opinion,” Conti added.
