FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte has sought assistance from the Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands amid his detention at an International Criminal Court (ICC) facility.
In a statement, the Philippine Embassy in The Netherlands said the International Criminal Court (ICC) Detention Officer informed them through a phone call that Duterte requested to speak with a consular officer.
It was also informed that Duterte underwent a medical checkup and received medical care prior to his formal commitment to the facility.
Duterte conveyed during the call that he is generally fine.
“The former President then requested a visit by embassy consular officials, and also asked the embassy to assist in the request for a visit by his legal counsel and family member, respectively,” the consular office said.
“Thereupon, the embassy made such request to the Registry of the ICC to facilitate a Consular Visit to the former President as soon as possible. The embassy also made a follow-up on the request for a visit by his legal counsel and his family member,” it added.
Upon his arrival at the Rotterdam-The Hague Airport on Wednesday, March 13, Duterte was given a list of names and contact numbers of embassy officials who can be reached by mobile phone for any consular assistance that he may need.
The Philippine Embassy in The Netherlands said Duterte also called and talked to former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea who was among his companions during his transfer to The Hague.
In a handwritten power of attorney document dated March 12, Duterte appointed Medialdea as one of his counsel in the ICC proceedings.
In another document, Duterte requested that Medialdea assist him during his initial appearance before the Pre-Trial Chamber, which was set on Friday, March 14.
“I, the undersigned, identified as the above client, request the Registry to appoint the person identified as counsel, to assist me during the initial appearance before the Pre-Trial Chamber, in the framework of the proceedings against me before the ICC,” the document reads.
“I understand that this appointment is conditional on counsel's acceptance to act in that capacity before the Court and does not prejudge the election of counsel who will assist me during the remainder of the proceedings,” it added.
The ICC registrar acknowledged Duterte’s request, which also includes the assistance of the Office of Public Counsel for the Defence for the purposes of the initial appearance in addition to Medialdea.
Duterte is currently being held at the Hague Penitentiary Institution, also known as the Scheveningen Prison in the Netherlands, following his arrest under the orders of the ICC in connection with its investigation into the deaths of over 6,000 individuals during the implementation of his drug war. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)