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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Victims oppose Duterte's bid for release, cite fears of reprisals

Victims oppose Duterte's bid for release, cite fears of reprisals

Published Sep 5, 2025 11:54 am  |  Updated Sep 5, 2025 01:17 pm

At A Glance

  • The filing added that Duterte continues to wield considerable influence and now has access to evidence, including the identities of prosecution witnesses—factors that heighten risks of intimidation and obstruction.
Victims in the International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings against former president Rodrigo Duterte have urged judges to keep him in detention, warning that his release could endanger their safety and undermine the trial.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte (ICC Photo)
Former president Rodrigo Duterte (ICC Photo)
In a redacted public filing submitted by the Office of Public Counsel for Victims (OPCV), participants in the case opposed Duterte’s renewed request for interim release. They stressed that allowing him to walk free, even under conditions, would expose them to reprisals from his supporters in the Philippines.
“Victims also oppose the Renewed Request on the basis that their security and well-being will be put in danger,” the filing read.
“They expressed their strong concerns about the possibility that he enjoys interim release, even with conditions, fearing reprisals from his supporters in the Philippines,” it added.
The filing added that Duterte continues to wield considerable influence and now has access to evidence, including the identities of prosecution witnesses—factors that heighten risks of intimidation and obstruction.
“The fact that Mr. Duterte has now access to a great part of the evidence, including identities of the Prosecution witnesses, and that he continues to wield considerable power and support, are all important factors that make his continued detention necessary and justified in order to ensure his presence at trial and to avoid the obstruction of the Court’s proceedings,” it read.
Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing is set for Sept. 23, six months after he was turned over to ICC custody in The Hague on March 12.

List of evidence

In another filing, Duterte’s legal team informed the Chamber that it has prepared a list of evidence to be presented at the upcoming hearing. However, it flagged that a still-redacted issue must be addressed before proceedings move forward.
On the other hand, the Defense, in a separate filing, raised ethical concerns about Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, noting his past representation of Filipino victims in connection with an earlier ICC communication.
They questioned whether Khan had fully withdrawn from his former clients and disclosed the matter during his application for the prosecutor’s post.
The Defense asked to be notified if any of the current victim applicants are linked to those represented by Khan in the earlier submission.

Related Tags

Rodrigo Duterte President Duterte ICC
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