ICC judges to review anew Duterte’s detention

MANILA, Philippines — The defense team of former president Rodrigo Duterte will have another opportunity to seek his release after trial judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) decided to review his detention ahead of his upcoming trial.

In a four-page order dated May 1, the Trial Chamber III directed parties to submit observations regarding Duterte’s detention.

“The Chamber observes that, pursuant to the statutory framework, the Accused’s pre-trial detention shall be reviewed at least every 120 days,” read the order signed by Presiding Judge Joanna Korner and Judges Keebong Paek and Nicolas Guillou.

“In light of the developments following the annual hearing, the Chamber considers it necessary to give the parties and participants the opportunity to submit any observations they may have regarding the Accused’s continued detention or release, with or without conditions, including the existence of any changed circumstances,” it added.

Last year, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I denied Duterte’s request for interim release, saying he remains a flight risk and could pose a threat to witnesses.

The ICC Appeals Chamber later affirmed this decision.

In January, pre-trial judges reviewed Duterte’s detention and decided to remand him in detention. This was again confirmed by the Appeals Chamber.

Duterte, 81, has been detained at the ICC Detention Center in Scheveningen prison in The Hague since his arrest and subsequent turnover to the international tribunal in March 2025.

His defense team previously moved for the indefinite adjournment of the proceedings, citing his supposedly declining health that renders him “unfit” to stand trial.