Former president Rodrigo Duterte will remain in detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC) after its Trial Chamber III ruled that circumstances do not warrant his release, citing increased risks associated with his pending trial.
The chamber’s decision came as Duterte made his first in-person appearance before the tribunal since he was arrested in the Philippines and transferred to The Hague in March 2025.
The 81-year-old former president appeared before the court on Sept. 16 during the third status conference in his case involving alleged crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s war on drugs.
The ICC said the prospect of Duterte facing trial and, if convicted, a lengthy prison sentence had increased, supporting the need for his continued detention.
The decision also followed prosecution submissions that Duterte could pose a risk of absconding or interfering with witnesses.
Acting ICC Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang urged the chamber to keep Duterte detained, saying there had been no circumstances that justified changing the previous detention order.
In a Sept. 14 filing, Niang cited the scheduled trial, additional incidents added to the charges and the disclosure of prosecution witnesses’ names and expected testimony to the defense.
The prosecution argued that Duterte’s continued detention was necessary to ensure he would not interfere with witnesses or obstruct court proceedings.
The defense, however, maintained that Duterte’s detention should be considered alongside the pending determination of his fitness to stand trial.
His lawyers had raised concerns about his health and cognitive condition and requested a medical examination.
The defense said it intended to seek a review of his detention after the chamber ruled on his fitness, if circumstances warranted it.
Duterte’s trial is scheduled to begin on Nov. 30, 2026.
