Organizations believe interim release for Duterte 'unwarranted'

Two Philippine organizations who have been assisting the families of victims of the war on drugs said Monday they believe that an interim release for former President Rodrigo Duterte from the International Criminal Court (ICC) is unwarranted.

Duterte is facing a crimes against humanity case before the ICC over his administration’s drug war. Though he is currently under ICC custody, his camp has sought his release to an undisclosed country.

In a statement, Coalition Against Trafficking in Women – Asia Pacific (CATW-AP) Executive Director Jean Enriquez said that the Pre-Trial Chamber 1 previously issued an arrest warrant against Duterte as it found his arrest necessary to ensure his appearance before the court.

She said the chamber also observed that Duterte appeared to continue to wield considerable power.

“Mindful of the resultant risk of interference with the investigations and the security of witnesses and victims, the Pre-trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court is satisfied that the arrest of Mr. Duterte is necessary,” she said, citing the chamber.

This was echoed by Sentrong mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO) Secretary General Josua Mata, who said that Duterte was recently proclaimed Davao mayor while his son Sebastian "Baste" Duterte was proclaimed vice mayor.

“On May 12, 2025, the son was elected Vice-Mayor of Davao City, while Mr. Duterte was elected as Mayor of the very city where crimes brought to the ICC were allegedly committed,” he said.

“Power continued to be wielded by the Dutertes, clearly, which includes wealth also amassed,” he added.

He noted that an impeachment complaint has been filed against Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte over the use of her office’s confidential funds. 

However, he said that a majority of senators also voted to return the Articles of Impeachment against Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives.

“Eighteen out of twenty three senators voted to return the impeach complaint to the House of Representatives, manifesting the strong influence still wielded by the Dutertes,” he said.

Aside from this, CATW-AP and SENTRO said they believe that Duterte’s interim release will obstruct and endanger the court proceedings as victims have expressed extreme anxiety in the power of the family.

In their request, Duterte’s camp argued that Duterte is not a flight risk. They also cited humanitarian considerations for the interim release, saying that Duterte is already 80 years old. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News