Duterte collapsed in detention? Sara says not true

National

VICE President Sara Duterte denied rumors claiming that her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, was discovered unconscious in his cell at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facility in The Hague.

The Vice President said the former leader is “OK” and has been in contact with his legal team, a report by Philstar stated.

Speaking to News5, the Vice President said Duterte’s lawyer personally checked on him after reports surfaced online.

“His lawyer called him last night… and the lawyer said that he was OK,” she stressed, countering claims that had spread on social media.

Duterte also addressed the issue publicly during the “Run for Du30” event in Davao City, where supporters gathered to express solidarity. She told the crowd that the rumor was completely unfounded, noting that her father himself called it a possible prank meant to mislead the public.

The Vice President acknowledged that their family is monitoring the ICC’s scheduled November 28 hearing, where judges will rule on the former president’s appeal for interim release. She expressed hope for a favorable outcome but said the family remains prepared to support him regardless of the decision.

“We hope to hear good news… but if not, we will continue to support him in his stay in The Hague and work with his defense team,” she said, emphasizing that they are committed to seeing the legal process through.

The former president has been detained at the ICC since March 12 on allegations of crimes against humanity connected to his administration’s anti-drug campaign, which resulted in thousands of deaths.(Xienderlyn Trinidad, USJ-R Comm Intern)