Victims' Lawyers Urge ICC to Keep Duterte Detained Amid Flight Risk Concerns

Lawyers representing victims in the International Criminal Court (ICC) case against former President Rodrigo Duterte have asked Trial Chamber III to keep him in detention, arguing that the circumstances previously cited by the court remain unchanged. The lawyers stated that Duterte’s continued detention “remains necessary and warranted” to ensure his appearance at trial and prevent possible intimidation or interference with victims and witnesses. "Victims expect to finally see Mr. Duterte appear in person in the courtroom," the lawyers said. They also noted that the latest medical assessment of Duterte does not alter earlier findings that he remains a flight risk. "The independent medical expertise does not affect the prior judicial determination that Mr. Duterte continues to pose a significant flight risk," they added. According to the Common Legal Representatives of Victims (CLRV), Duterte remains capable of absconding, interfering with the investigation and proceedings, and relying on a network of supporters and resources to achieve these ends. The CLRV also stated that drug war victims and their families continue to fear "threats, retaliation, and stigmatization in the communities due to Mr. Duterte’s continuing influence." The filing comes as Trial Chamber III reviews Duterte’s continued detention, while a ruling on his fitness to stand trial remains pending. The prosecution has also asked the Chamber to maintain his detention, while the defense has questioned the medical experts’ findings and sought further examinations. The "war on drugs" under the Duterte administration resulted in thousands of deaths, many allegedly extrajudicial, drawing international condemnation for alleged human rights abuses. The ICC began a preliminary examination into potential crimes against humanity in September 2021 and later decided to proceed with a full investigation in July 2022. Duterte refused to cooperate with the investigation and initiated the Philippines' withdrawal from the ICC, which was finalized in 2019. However, the ICC maintains its jurisdiction over acts committed prior to the withdrawal.