MANILA – Amid public concern over the condition of former President Rodrigo Duterte while under detention, the International Criminal Court (ICC) assured the public that it is taking all necessary measures to safeguard the health and well-being of individuals in its custody — but declined to provide specific information on Duterte’s case.
“The ICC adopts all necessary measures to take care of the health and well-being of suspects who are in the ICC detention center,” said ICC spokesperson Fadi el Abdallah in a statement. “We do not provide further comments on these matters in order to fully respect their private life.”
The clarification comes following remarks from Duterte’s former wife, Elizabeth Zimmerman, who reportedly described him as “skin and bones” after a recent visit. Public speculation intensified after Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio was asked about her father’s health during an interview on July 8.
“Mukha lang siyang may sakit, pero clearly wala naman ding siguro siyang sakit kasi wala namang sinasabing urgent ‘yung medical officer sa amin,” the Vice President said.
She attributed the weight loss to several factors.
“Sa tingin ko lang, yung weight loss niya ay dahil posible, unang-una, loss of appetite dahil nga hindi siya sanay sa pagkain. At pangalawa, baka rin kasi kino-control ng medical officer ‘yung pagkain niya kasi diabetic si Pangulong Duterte,” she added.
The ICC has scheduled a confirmation of charges hearing for Duterte on September 23, 2025. He is facing allegations of crimes against humanity for the thousands of deaths tied to his administration’s war on drugs./PN
