ICC bans Duterte family from sharing updates on former president’s detention

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte speaks to supporters at The Hauge, Netherlands. ARCHIVE

The International Criminal Court (ICC) detention unit has barred the family of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte from giving the public updates about his situation in detention. Vice President Sara Duterte confirmed that she and her siblings were instructed to follow strict guidelines during visits to The Hague. “So, from now on, bawal ikuwento kung ano yung mga nangyari sa loob at ano yung mga pinag-usapan sa loob (I cannot share what’s happening inside and what we’re talking about inside),” she told former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque in an interview on Monday (September 1). The Vice President added, “I can only that (former) President Duterte is still alive. That’s it. We are not allowed to give updates.” Sara Duterte has been in The Hague since last month along with her siblings—Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, and Veronica “Kitty” Duterte—to visit their father. The visit was at the request of the former leader, who wanted to see his children together. Earlier, the Vice President shared that their family conversations touched on politics, family matters, and future plans. Rodrigo Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s controversial war on drugs. He is scheduled to appear before the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I on September 23 for a confirmation of charges hearing. This will mark the first time the public sees the former president since his March detention at The Hague, following his controversial arrest at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. ICA/Expat Media