Duterte Found Unconscious in ICC Detention Cell; Rushed to Hospital for Tests

Vice President Sara Duterte revealed that former President Rodrigo Duterte was found unconscious on the floor of his detention room at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.

In a statement issued on Saturday, September 27, VP Sara said her father had to undergo laboratory tests following the incident.

She added that the family was not immediately informed about what had happened and that the ICC provided no explanation.

“Credible information received by the family from hospital sources reveals that former President Duterte had to undergo laboratory tests after being found unconscious on the floor of his room,” the statement read.

“The family was not informed of the ‘accident,’ and no explanation was given. These developments raise serious concerns about the ICC’s capacity to guarantee the security and safety of FPRRD,” VP Sara added.

She also noted that the former president has basic medical needs that must be promptly addressed, citing, for example, the lack of treatment for his ingrown toenail.

According to her, it is clear that former President Duterte, whose health remains “frail and compromised,” requires a 24-hour bedside caregiver.

“The continued detention of former President Duterte under such troubling conditions is not only unjust but also inhumane. It amounts to punishment without any conviction of a crime,” VP Sara said.

She further emphasized that her father’s detention should end, arguing that he is not a flight risk, does not pose a threat to witnesses or to the case, and has no intention of returning to public office.

“The ICC should act now to ensure that former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is afforded proper care and, ultimately, the humanitarian considerations he rightfully deserves,” VP Sara appealed to the ICC.

Details from Duterte’s Legal Team

Former President Duterte’s lead counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, confirmed that the defense team and the family were not immediately notified about the incidents involving Duterte’s falls inside his detention cell.

Kaufman explained that during one of these incidents, Duterte lost consciousness and was brought to the hospital, where he underwent medical examinations for possible cranial and brain injuries.