Duterte asks ICC anew for interim release to undisclosed country

Former President Rodrigo Duterte, through his legal counsel, has reiterated his request to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for an interim release to an undisclosed country "subject to any conditions deemed appropriate."

"For the sake of clarity, the Defence informs the Pre-Trial Chamber that the [REDACTED] continues to affirm its willingness to cooperate with the Court, to accept Mr Duterte onto its territory, and to enforce conditions of release. The [REDACTED] is, furthermore, fully aware of Mr Duterte’s [REDACTED]," according to the heavily redacted document submitted by Nicholas Kaufman, the former leader's counsel, to the Pre Trial Chamber dated August 19, 2025.

It added that "All the Prosecution’s objections to the [REDACTED] serving as a receiving country for the purposes of interim release are either negligible or negotiable."

"The Defence reiterates that [REDACTED] is not just a bar to holding the hearing on the confirmation of charges, but also negates any risk under Article 58(1)(b) that would justify maintaining his detention," the document stated.

"Should the Prosecution be permitted to challenge the aforementioned and [REDACTED], resolving the issue of [REDACTED]31 could take several months or more, especially if other [REDACTED] are [REDACTED]. Mr Duterte’s continued detention during this protracted process would not be fair or reasonable," it added.

In June this year, Duterte's lawyer asked the ICC that he be released to an undisclosed country, which has reportedly agreed to take him.

The request signed by Kaufman also said that the prosecution has confirmed its non-opposition to the former president's interim release to the country, yet to be made public, "on the understanding that the terms and conditions set out in Annex A to this filing would be met."

Duterte is currently detained in The Hague while awaiting trial for charges of crimes against humanity in connection with the killings under his war on drugs when he was mayor of Davao City and when he was president of the Philippines.—LDF, GMA Integrated News