World

Philippine vice president meets Duterte at The Hague detention center

Former President Rodrigo Duterte tells daughter to return to Philippines immediately

Saadet Gokce  | 15.03.2025 - Update : 15.03.2025
Philippine vice president meets Duterte at The Hague detention center Vice-president of Philippines Sara Duterte speaks as large crowds gather outside the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the day of her father’s hearing in the Hague, Netherlands on March 14, 2025. Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte appeared before ICC judges via video link after being arrested earlier this week on an ICC warrant for alleged crimes against humanity committed during his presidency.

ISTANBUL

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte said she visited her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, at the International Criminal Court detention center in The Hague, Netherlands.

Speaking outside the facility on Friday, she said their meeting took place in a designated visiting area, though she did not see his exact place of detention, according to GMA News.

During her one-hour visit, Vice President Duterte said her father appeared well-rested, adding that he had been spending his time sleeping and watching TV.

The former president told her he was missing Filipino food. He also urged her to return to the Philippines as soon as possible.

Demonstrations for and against Duterte have been taking place across the Philippines. On Friday, large groups gathered in support of the former president, while additional rallies are planned for Saturday, according to media reports. The organizer of Saturday’s protests, Levi Juarbal Samillan, called on people to wear black or green to show solidarity in a Facebook post.

Protests have also been held outside the detention center in The Hague.

Duterte is facing charges of “murder as a crime against humanity” over his deadly war on drugs.

The charges stem from his years-long anti-drug campaign, which human rights groups say led to tens of thousands of deaths.

Sara Duterte traveled to the Netherlands to support her father, calling his detention “oppression and persecution.”

Anadolu Agency website contains only a portion of the news stories offered to subscribers in the AA News Broadcasting System (HAS), and in summarized form. Please contact us for subscription options.