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Former President Duterte Not Found Unconscious in ICC Detention, Daughter and Counsel Confirm
Claims circulating on social media that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was found unconscious in his detention cell at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, have been categorically denied by his daughter and legal representatives.
The false information began spreading on Facebook on November 22, with one post from a page called “Bright Channel” garnering over 5,500 reactions and thousands of comments. The viral posts claimed Duterte had been found unresponsive in his cell, often attributing this information to social media personality Jay Sonza, whose original post has since been deleted.
Vice President Sara Duterte, the former president’s daughter, addressed the rumors during a public appearance in Davao City on November 23. “His lawyer called him last night, especially after the news came out that he was found unconscious in his room, and the lawyer said that he was OK,” she confirmed to reporters.
Nicholas Kaufman, Duterte’s lead counsel at the ICC, issued an unequivocal denial as reported by several Philippine news outlets. “I would like to state, in no uncertain terms, that the information circulating on the internet suggesting that former President Duterte was found unconscious in his cell this morning is totally untrue,” Kaufman declared.
The 80-year-old former president is currently detained in The Hague while facing serious charges related to his administration’s controversial war on drugs. He stands accused of three counts of crimes against humanity of murder, representing 49 incidents of killings involving 78 victims.
This is not the first time rumors about Duterte’s health have circulated. In September, his defense team claimed he had been found unconscious on his cell floor, necessitating laboratory tests. However, ICC assistant to counsel Kristina Conti noted at the time that these reports had not been independently confirmed by the court, suggesting they might be propaganda.
“What is clear to us is that he underwent a CT scan and MRI in May and June. This was included in the defense’s submission,” Conti stated, adding that the timing of any alleged accident involving Duterte remained unclear.
The latest false claims emerge just days before a critical legal decision in Duterte’s case. The ICC Appeals Chamber is scheduled to deliver its ruling on November 28 regarding Duterte’s appeal for interim release. The hearing will take place at 10:30 am in The Hague (5:30 pm in Manila).
On September 26, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I rejected the defense’s request for Duterte’s interim release. His legal team subsequently filed an appeal on October 14, arguing that the pre-trial chamber erred in its assessment that Duterte posed a risk under the Rome Statute, and failed to consider humanitarian factors.
In their appeal, Duterte’s lawyers emphasized his advanced age and health condition: “Mr. Duterte is 80 years old, infirm, and debilitated. It is, quite simply, cruel to detain him while he enjoys the presumption of innocence.” The defense further argued that Duterte has “neither the desire nor capacity to flee or to return to a life of power or politics” and merely seeks release in an environment conducive to his “proven weak state of mental and physical health.”
This latest incident is part of a pattern of misinformation surrounding the former president’s detention. Fact-checking organizations have previously debunked multiple claims regarding Duterte’s health and detention conditions since he was taken into ICC custody.
As his case proceeds through the international justice system, the spread of unverified information highlights the challenges of maintaining accurate public discourse around high-profile legal proceedings with significant political implications.
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11 Comments
This highlights the importance of verifying information, especially on social media. It’s concerning to see how quickly unsubstantiated claims can gain traction. I’m glad the authorities and Duterte’s team were able to quickly address and refute the rumors.
Absolutely. In the age of social media, it’s crucial that we all do our part to check sources and avoid spreading unverified information, even if it seems sensational. Responsible reporting and fact-checking are essential to maintaining trust and preventing the spread of misinformation.
The denial from Duterte’s legal counsel and daughter is reassuring. It’s important to rely on official channels and verified information, rather than unsubstantiated social media rumors. This serves as a good reminder to be cautious about what we see online and to always fact-check before sharing.
This is a good reminder of the need to be skeptical of unsubstantiated claims, especially when they involve high-profile individuals. I’m glad to see the authorities and Duterte’s legal team acted swiftly to address and debunk the rumors. Responsible fact-checking and verification are crucial in the age of social media misinformation.
Absolutely. It’s important that we all remain vigilant and verify information before sharing it, even if it seems sensational or attention-grabbing. Relying on official sources and fact-checking is the best way to combat the spread of misinformation online.
This is a good example of how quickly misinformation can spread, even about high-profile figures. I’m glad the authorities were able to promptly address and refute the claims. It’s a useful lesson on the importance of verifying information, especially on social media platforms.
Exactly. Social media has become a breeding ground for false narratives, and it’s critical that we all remain vigilant and cross-check sources before believing or sharing information. Responsible fact-checking is essential to combat the spread of misinformation.
This is a concerning example of how quickly misinformation can spread, even about prominent figures like former presidents. I’m glad to see the authorities and Duterte’s team were able to quickly address and refute the claims. It’s a valuable lesson on the importance of fact-checking and verifying information, especially on social media platforms.
Interesting to see this fact check on the Duterte rumors. It’s good that his legal team and daughter were quick to deny the claims and confirm he’s doing well. Unfounded rumors like this can spread like wildfire on social media, so it’s important to rely on official sources and verified information.
Agreed. Fact-checking and debunking false claims is crucial, especially for high-profile figures like former presidents. Social media can be a breeding ground for misinformation, so it’s reassuring to see the legal team and family respond promptly.
It’s concerning to see how easily unverified claims can gain traction, even about prominent public figures. I’m glad Duterte’s team was able to quickly address and refute the rumors. This highlights the importance of relying on official sources and being cautious about what we see on social media.