DAVAO CITY (MindaNews /13 June) – If the International Criminal Court (ICC) grants his “urgent request for interim release,” former President and Davao City Mayor-elect Rodrigo Roa Duterte will stay in a country that has agreed to receive him. During his stay, he will refrain from public engagement, office duties, or communications with anyone outside his family and abstain from using the internet or electronic devices like mobile phones.
Duterte’s defense counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, stated in the request that these restrictions eliminate any risk under Article 58(1)(b)(iii) of the ICC statute, as he will reside far from the alleged crimes’ geographic scope. The 80-year-old Duterte seeks temporary release to an undisclosed country, with the receiving nation’s name redacted in the ICC-published document.
The 16-page request, filed on June 12 (Philippine Independence Day), urges the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber to order Duterte’s immediate release under appropriate conditions. Kaufman argued that Duterte poses no flight risk, will not obstruct proceedings, will not commit further crimes, and humanitarian factors support his release. The Prosecution reportedly does not oppose the request.
Duterte was arrested three months earlier in The Hague on charges of crimes against humanity. The request comes 18 days before his scheduled June 30 inauguration as Davao City mayor, following his landslide victory on May 12 with 662,630 votes. He has yet to take his oath of office, a requirement for assuming the post.
The defense emphasized that Duterte no longer holds presidential power and has committed to disengaging from politics and governance. He will also avoid media statements and electronic communications if released.
Local Governments Secretary Jonvic Remulla previously stated that the DILG would seek ICC approval for Duterte to take his oath via a consul in The Hague. Failure to do so within six months could result in the mayoral seat being declared vacant, with Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte (his son) succeeding him.
The ICC disclosed that discussions on interim release began shortly after Duterte’s March 14 initial appearance. On June 9, the receiving country agreed in principle to host him pending the ICC’s decision. Kaufman reiterated that Duterte is not a flight risk and would comply with release terms. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)
