The International Criminal Court (ICC) has ruled that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte must remain in detention, rejecting an appeal for his release on grounds of age and deteriorating health.
Duterte, 80, who led the country from 2016 to 2022, was arrested in March and transferred to The Hague over allegations of mass killings during his controversial war on drugs. Thousands of suspected dealers and users were slain during the campaign.
On Friday, ICC appeals judges dismissed a request for provisional release, saying the defence had failed to demonstrate errors in the lower court’s decision. “The Appeals Chamber found that the defence failed to identify errors,” presiding judge Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza stated.
Duterte did not attend the hearing. His grandson, Omar Duterte, argued afterwards that the former leader posed no flight risk. “Half the time, while we are talking, he doesn’t even know why he’s in there, in detention,” he told reporters.
In Manila, families of victims gathered to watch the ruling, holding placards that read: “Duterte’s detention is our safety, no to interim release.” Some applauded and one supporter jumped for joy as the decision was announced.
Allegations of Death Squads
The ICC warrant accuses Duterte of creating, funding, and arming death squads. Official police figures record 6,200 deaths in anti-drug operations during his presidency, but activists claim the toll was far higher. Prosecutors estimate as many as 30,000 people may have been killed.
Despite mounting criticism, Duterte has consistently defended the crackdown, insisting police were ordered to kill only in self-defence. He has often told supporters he was prepared to “rot in jail” if it meant eliminating illegal drugs from the Philippines.
In a statement from Manila, the Duterte family said they accepted the ICC’s ruling “with peaceful hearts.” His legal team has filed multiple motions seeking to have the case thrown out.
