Duterte Remains in ICC Custody; AI-Generated Image Spreads False Claim of Return

A fabricated news report, featuring AI-generated imagery, is circulating on social media falsely claiming that former President Rodrigo Duterte has returned to the Philippines to attend the impeachment trial of his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte. However, this information has been debunked, with the image identified as AI-generated. The graphic depicts the former president waving with a plane in the background, accompanied by text stating, “Breaking news: Rodrigo Duterte comes home to the Philippines to attend the hearing of Sara Duterte.” The post’s caption further emphasized the claim that Duterte has been released from International Criminal Court (ICC) detention. In reality, Duterte remains detained at the ICC facility in The Hague, Netherlands. The ICC website lists his current status as “In ICC custody.” The image used in the purported news report was flagged by AI detection tools as 99% likely to be AI-generated content. A reverse image search did not yield any credible news reports similar to the one shown in the Facebook reel, nor have there been any official announcements from the ICC regarding Duterte's release. Duterte's counsel has repeatedly appealed for interim release citing health reasons, but these appeals have been denied by the ICC. A May 2026 decision by the Trial Chamber III stated that the former leader is still not eligible for temporary liberty. Under the Rome Statute, a suspect cannot be released if they present risk factors, such as the danger of fleeing, obstructing justice, or recommitting alleged crimes. Duterte was arrested in March 2025 for crimes against humanity linked to killings during his war on drugs. In April 2026, the ICC’s pre-trial chamber confirmed all charges against him, including three counts of murder, covering 49 incidents and 78 victims. His full trial is scheduled to begin in November. Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte is facing an impeachment trial for alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and threats to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former House speaker Martin Romualdez. Rappler has previously fact-checked similar false claims concerning Duterte. Information Source: Rappler Philippines