No approved in-person family visits for ex-President Duterte, say kin

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has not approved any in-person family visits to former president Rodrigo Duterte while the court conducts confirmation of charges hearings this week, his family said in a statement Sunday.

The family, however, said telephone calls will be allowed.

It added that six lawyers will attend the hearings “to ensure that he is properly represented by a Filipino legal team”:

• Salvador Medialdea
• Martin Delgra III
• Silvestre Bello III
• Alfredo Lim Jr.
• Caesar Dulay
• Salvador Panelo

“We thank the legal team for their continued dedication and professionalism during this critical time,” the family said.

The family also expressed gratitude to the Filipino community in The Hague “for ensuring a platform where the voice of every Filipino who speaks out against this injustice is heard.”

The confirmation of charges hearings are scheduled from February 23 to 27.

According to the ICC website, sessions will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time (5 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Philippines) before Pre-Trial Chamber I in Courtroom I.

Duterte is currently detained at the Scheveningen Prison, formally known as the Hague Penitentiary Institution, on charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his administration’s anti-drug campaign.

Government records show that more than 6,000 drug suspects were killed in police operations, while human rights groups estimate the toll could have reached as high as 30,000, citing alleged unreported cases.—MCG, GMA Integrated News