Rodrigo Duterte Emotional Plea from ICC Detention
RODRIGO DUTERTE – Former President Rodrigo Duterte, currently in detention in The Hague, pleaded to return home, saying he hopes to die in his own country.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, currently facing trial for crimes against humanity, has expressed his desire for a swift resolution to his case, emphasizing that he wishes to take his final breath in his homeland. This was revealed by Vice President Sara Duterte in a recent interview held in The Hague, Netherlands, where her father is currently detained.
According to the Vice President, she had a phone conversation with the former president and found him to be in “good spirits.” However, Duterte remains adamant about his desire to return to the Philippines as soon as possible. “Sabi niya (he said), ‘I am an old man, I can die anytime but I want to die in my country,” she shared, adding that she empathizes with his urgency.
Sara Duterte assured the public that her father is receiving proper medical attention while in the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC). She also noted that Duterte’s legal team is actively working on his defense, pushing for the proceedings to move faster.
The former president was arrested in Manila on March 11 and was immediately flown to The Hague to face trial over alleged crimes against humanity related to his controversial anti-drug campaign during his term. Duterte made his first pretrial appearance on March 14 via video link, just three days after his arrest.
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His administration’s war on drugs, a cornerstone of his presidency, has drawn widespread criticism both locally and internationally. Government records acknowledge at least 6,000 fatalities linked to the campaign. However, various human rights organizations claim that the real death toll could range between 12,000 and 30,000 between 2016 and 2019, citing extrajudicial killings and violations of due process.
As the trial progresses, Duterte’s request to return to the Philippines underscores both the human element behind the legal battle and the broader political implications it may have for the country. His wish to die on Philippine soil reflects a deeply personal plea amidst a globally scrutinized case.