ACTING Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte said he will again soon fly to the Netherlands to visit his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte (FPRRD), who is detained in The Hague.
“Mularga na pod ko soon para tan-won napod nako akoang amahan (I’ll be flying out again soon to check on my father again),” he told reporters during an interview at Magsaysay Park on Friday, August 10, 2025. He, however, did not give a specific date for the trip.
Baste shared that detention can take a toll on anyone’s mental health, saying it could lead to depression and loss of appetite. He noted that while FPRRD remains mentally sharp, age has made him more vulnerable and in need of extra care.
The younger Duterte observed that his father had become noticeably thinner, likely because he had little appetite for the food served to him in detention. He added that if the former president were home, eating with family and friends, his appetite would probably improve.
“Any other ordinary person kung ibutang ka og detention center even with, you know, a clear case against you without due process, how would you feel? So mao na siya mahitabo sa usa ka tao (Any ordinary person, if you’re put in a detention center—even with, you know, a clear case against you but without due process—how would you feel? That’s what happens to a person),” he said.
Baste described his father’s situation as “very unjust” and reminded the public that FPRRD is still officially the mayor of Davao City, with himself only serving in an acting capacity. He urged residents to continue following the former president’s direction.
FPRRD was transferred to The Hague on March 12, 2025, and made his first appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) via video link on March 14. He will attend the confirmation of charges hearing set on September 23, 2025.
The ICC is investigating Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity related to his administration’s controversial war on drugs. RGP
