CRBC News
Politics
Conflict
Security
Economy
Science
Technology
Environment
Health
Culture
Society
Lifestyle
Conflict

ICC Denies Duterte's Health Appeal — Former Philippine President to Remain in Dutch Custody

07:22 AM, 11/29/2025
ICC Denies Duterte's Health Appeal — Former Philippine President to Remain in Dutch Custody

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte will remain in ICC custody in the Netherlands after an appeals chamber rejected his health‑based release request. He faces crimes‑against‑humanity charges over alleged extrajudicial killings during his presidency and earlier tenure as Davao City mayor. The court found his lawyers did not show the earlier denial was unreasonable and had previously judged him a flight risk who could intimidate witnesses. Reported death tolls from the campaign range from about 6,000 (police) to roughly 30,000 (rights groups).

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, 80, will remain in custody in the Netherlands after the International Criminal Court (ICC) rejected his request for release on health grounds.

Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity arising from alleged extrajudicial killings carried out during his so‑called war on drugs while he served as president and earlier as mayor of Davao City. The ICC opened a formal investigation in September 2021; an arrest warrant led to his detention in March.

His lawyers had sought release on medical and humanitarian grounds, but the court reaffirmed an earlier decision denying that request. Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza told the courtroom in The Hague that the defense had not shown the prior ruling was unreasonable.

“The appeals chamber is not satisfied that the decision of the pre‑trial chamber was unreasonable,” the judge said, affirming the lower chamber’s assessment.

The ICC has previously found that Duterte represents a flight risk and that, if released, he could attempt to influence or intimidate witnesses. Court filings allege he authorized and ordered ‘‘violent acts including murder to be committed against alleged criminals, including alleged drug dealers and users.’’

Estimates of the number of deaths tied to the campaign vary widely: the Philippine national police report roughly 6,000 fatalities, while rights groups estimate the toll could be around 30,000. The discrepancy reflects different methodologies and contested counts.

Observers note the case has geopolitical resonance: during his first term, U.S. President Donald Trump developed a cordial relationship with Duterte and visited the Philippines. The ICC ruling is likely to prolong legal proceedings and keep Duterte in custody as the court considers next procedural steps.

What happens next: Duterte’s legal team may pursue further remedies within the ICC system, but for now the appeals chamber’s decision stands and detention will continue pending the court’s schedule.

Similar Articles

Trending