Sara Duterte Alleges Father Found Unconscious, Accuses ICC and PBBM of Mishandling Detention
Former President Rodrigo Duterte was allegedly found unconscious in detention, prompting a strong rebuke of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and accusations against current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. from his daughter, Sara Duterte. The claims, reported by multiple Philippine news outlets, center on the conditions of the former president’s detention and the nature of a recent welfare check conducted by embassy officials.
Sara Duterte voiced serious concerns regarding her father’s well-being, describing his condition as “troubling” and the detention environment as “inhumane.” These statements have ignited a political firestorm, raising questions about the treatment of the former leader and the motivations behind the ongoing investigations.
Duterte Family Challenges Welfare Check Legitimacy
The Duterte family has accused President Marcos Jr. – referred to as PBBM – of conducting a “sham” welfare check at the ICC. According to reports, the family believes the visit was performative and did not genuinely address concerns about the former president’s health and safety.
“The Dutertes accuse PBBM of ‘sham welfare checks’ at ICC,” reported SunStar Publishing Inc., highlighting the family’s distrust of the current administration’s intentions.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has defended the visit by embassy officials, stating that such welfare checks are standard procedure for all foreign service posts. “Welfare check kenni Sigud a President Duterte iti ICC paset ti trabaho dagiti amin a foreign service posts, sigun iti Department of Foreign Affairs,” Bombo Radyo Baguio reported, translating to “The welfare check on former President Duterte at the ICC is part of the job of all foreign service posts, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.”
Concerns Over Former President’s Health
Reports indicate the former president was discovered unconscious during a routine check. While details remain scarce, Sara Duterte’s public statements suggest a serious deterioration in her father’s health while in detention. Philstar.com initially reported on Sara Duterte’s condemnation of the ICC, while Inquirer.net detailed her description of her father being in “troubling conditions.”
The nature of the detention and the specific circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. However, the allegations have prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability regarding the former president’s care.
Diplomatic Fallout and ICC Investigation
The situation has the potential to further strain relations between the Philippines and the ICC, which is currently investigating allegations of crimes against humanity related to the previous administration’s “war on drugs.” The Duterte family has consistently maintained its opposition to the ICC’s jurisdiction in the Philippines.
The Manila Times reported on the DFA’s defense of the embassy officials’ visit, suggesting a broader effort to manage the diplomatic fallout from the situation. The unfolding events underscore the complex interplay between domestic politics, international law, and the well-being of a former head of state.
The allegations made by Sara Duterte demand a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure the former president receives appropriate medical attention and that all parties involved are held accountable for their actions. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as more information becomes available.
