Rodrigo Duterte Lawyer, Salvador Medialdea, Hospitalized After Falling Ill at ICC Detention Center
DUTERTE – Salvador Medialdea, Rodrigo Duterte’s lawyer, was hospitalized after falling ill at the ICC detention center.
Former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea was rushed to a hospital in the Netherlands after he fell ill while visiting former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention center, the Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands confirmed on Tuesday.
Medialdea, who serves as one of Duterte’s legal counsels in his ongoing trial at the ICC, visited the detention center early on the morning of March 18 (Central European Time) for a scheduled meeting with Duterte. According to the embassy’s statement, Medialdea began feeling unwell while registering at the reception counter at around 8:55 a.m.
An embassy official who was accompanying Medialdea immediately called for medical assistance. A medic stationed at the ICC detention center responded promptly and provided initial care before an ambulance transported Medialdea to a hospital in The Hague area, where he is now receiving medical treatment.
A close relative of Medialdea is reportedly at the hospital with him, according to the embassy’s statement. Further details about his condition have not yet been disclosed.
Medialdea’s presence at the ICC detention center highlights his critical role in Duterte’s legal defense. He was present during Duterte’s first appearance before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber, where the former president faces charges of crimes against humanity related to his controversial war on drugs.
Medialdea also accompanied Duterte when he was arrested on March 11 and subsequently transported from the Philippines to the Netherlands. Duterte’s legal team, including Medialdea, has been working to secure his release and challenge the ICC’s jurisdiction over the case.
According to the report, the Philippine Embassy assured that Medialdea is being closely monitored by medical professionals and that updates on his condition will be provided as they become available. Meanwhile, Duterte’s legal team remains focused on the ongoing trial and preparing the former president’s defense.
Medialdea, a longtime ally of Duterte, previously served as his executive secretary throughout his presidency from 2016 to 2022. His hospitalization comes at a critical time for Duterte’s legal battle at the ICC.
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