April 23, 2025 – Davao City, Philippines
Davao City First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte has provided an update on his father, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (FPRRD), following a personal visit to the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention center in The Hague, Netherlands, on April 22.
Rep. Duterte’s visit comes amid ongoing international legal proceedings involving the former president, who has been under ICC scrutiny for alleged human rights violations during his controversial war on drugs. The younger Duterte assured the public that his father remains in stable condition and is in high spirits despite the circumstances.
“Si Papa ay matatag, kalmado, at patuloy ang pakikipagtulungan sa mga proseso ng korte,” Rep. Duterte said in a brief statement to the media upon his return. He emphasized that their family continues to extend full support to the former president and remains hopeful for a fair and impartial judicial process.
The visit marks the first confirmed family interaction with the former president since reports emerged of his detainment by international authorities earlier this year. While the details of the charges remain under seal pending formal hearings, the ICC has acknowledged that it is pursuing an investigation into Duterte’s anti-narcotics campaign during his term from 2016 to 2022.
Supporters of the former president have expressed solidarity through social media and gatherings in Davao and other key cities, calling for due process and the protection of national sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Rep. Duterte declined to provide further legal details, citing the sensitive nature of the ongoing proceedings. However, he reiterated that his father’s legal team is “fully engaged and confident” in addressing the charges.
The Philippine government has not yet released an official statement on the matter, though several lawmakers have called for a review of the country’s stance on international tribunals and its previous withdrawal from the ICC.
As the international case unfolds, the Duterte family continues to rally support, appealing to the public to respect the legal process and maintain unity.
