ICC denies humanitarian release for former Philippine president

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has denied former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release, marking a significant setback for the embattled ex-leader who faces charges of crimes against humanity.

In an official document dated October 10, the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber rejected the defence’s argument that Duterte should be released on humanitarian grounds, Bloomberg reports.

“The Defence’s argument that Mr Duterte should be released for humanitarian reasons must be rejected,” the chamber stated.

Duterte, 80, has been detained at the ICC’s detention facility in The Hague since March 2025, following his arrest on charges related to his controversial anti-drug campaign that claimed thousands of lives during his presidency from 2016 to 2022.

In denying the interim release, the chamber emphasised that Duterte continues to pose a risk of fleeing the court’s jurisdiction.

“The Chamber finds that Mr Duterte continues to pose a flight risk and detention is necessary to ensure his presence during the pre-trial proceedings and possible trial,” it said.

The court also raised concerns over the potential influence Duterte could exert on witnesses if released.

“There is a risk that Mr Duterte would pose a threat to (potential) witnesses, either directly or indirectly through his supporters,” the chamber added.

In June, Duterte’s legal team petitioned for his temporary release, arguing that he is not a flight risk and that a foreign government had agreed to host him. However, ICC prosecutors opposed the motion, pointing to Duterte’s extensive network and financial resources, which previous court decisions had identified as key factors in assessing the risk of absconding.

The former president’s legal troubles deepened last month when the ICC prosecutor rejected his appeal to suspend legal proceedings indefinitely on the grounds of his deteriorating health.

Duterte, who led the Southeast Asian nation from 2016 to 2022, was arrested in March on charges of crimes against humanity linked to his brutal anti-drug campaign, which claimed thousands of lives.

By Sabina Mammadli