MOST members of the Duterte family are planning a visit to The Hague, Netherlands, in August to check on former President Rodrigo R. Duterte (FPRRD), who has been detained since March by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged crimes against humanity committed during his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
The announcement was made by Acting Vice Mayor Rigo Duterte II during the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyo forum on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. He said that he, along with his father, First District Rep. Paolo Duterte, his brother, Second District Rep. Omar Duterte, and their sister Isabelle Duterte, will travel next month to personally assess the condition of the ex-leader.
While details of the visit remain limited, Rigo shared that their discussions with the former president are typically private and personal, steering clear of political matters.
Concerns about the former president’s health were raised by Vice President Sara Duterte on July 12, revealing that her father had experienced significant weight loss while in detention. Despite the weight loss, the vice president observed that her father’s appearance remains relatively unchanged, joking that there may be skin treatments available inside the facility.
The vice president also said her father’s medical team has not reported any serious or urgent health concerns. She speculated that his weight loss could be due to reduced appetite or a regulated diet within the detention facility.
Meanwhile, on July 21, Vice President Sara shared an update to the Filipino community outside the ICC, saying that the former president was doing fine and has been walking on his own and even engaged in a brief conversation with a security guard near the dining area.
Rigo said their planned family visit in August reflects their ongoing support for the former president and thanked Dabawenyos for their continued prayers.
“Daghang salamat sa padayon ninyong suporta ug sa inyohang mga pag pangadyi para sa amoang amahan. Labi na karon nga ang iyang health gaka-deteriorate na gyud. Daghan salamat sa kanunay ninyong pag-ampo para kaniya,” he stated in an interview.
(Thank you very much for your continued support and for your prayers for our father — especially now that his health is truly deteriorating. We are deeply grateful for your constant prayers for him). DEF