Vice President Sara Duterte led a gathering in The Hague, Netherlands, on Friday, urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to release her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, who remains in detention over charges linked to the controversial war on drugs during his administration.
The protest, held at Laan van Reagan en Gorbatjov, drew Filipinos from across Europe in what organizers called both a political demonstration and a heartfelt birthday show of support for the Vice President, who turned 47 that same day.
Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque confirmed the arrival of overseas Filipino supporters, saying the movement reflected “personal solidarity and political strength” in the face of what many believe to be an unjust detention.
Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11 through an Interpol-led operation, following an ICC warrant for alleged human rights violations. A recent Pulse Asia poll showed that more than 50% of Filipinos disapproved of the arrest and transfer.
As part of her trip, the Vice President is scheduled to visit her father on May 30 and again from June 2 to 3. The Office of the Vice President (OVP) confirmed her return to the Philippines is set for June 4.
On the sidelines of the rally, Duterte attended a photo exhibit chronicling her father’s presidency and family life. The exhibition will run until Monday.
Meanwhile, the Vice President’s office refrained from commenting on allegations raised by House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega about supposed confidential fund allocations to some senators. “Better ask the Fortun-Narvasa-Salazar Law Offices since they are the ones handling the impeachment,” the OVP said.
