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The image of Kitty Duterte crying at ICC detention center was digitally altered to spread false claims about former President Duterte’s mental state, fact-checkers reveal.
A viral social media post falsely claiming that Veronica “Kitty” Duterte broke down in tears because her father, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, no longer recognizes her has been debunked by fact-checkers.
The manipulated image, which has amassed over 5.2 million views and more than 136,000 likes since being posted on January 8, shows what appears to be Kitty Duterte crying as she allegedly left the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facility where her father is being held. The post, created by a user called “pinoy_headlines,” features a “Breaking News” banner and text in Filipino stating: “Kitty Duterte, daughter of former president Duterte, cried when she left the ICC because her father allegedly no longer recognizes her.”
Fact-checkers have confirmed this claim is entirely false. The photo used in the viral post was digitally manipulated, likely using AI technology. A reverse image search revealed the original photograph shows Kitty Duterte speaking with her hand on her chest during a March 2025 visit to the ICC detention center, accompanied by her mother, Honeylet Avanceña. In the original image, Duterte’s eyes are clearly open and she shows no signs of distress.
TruthScan analysis indicates the viral image was AI-edited with 97% probability, transforming the original photograph to create the false impression of an emotional breakdown.
While Kitty Duterte did reference her father’s declining health in November 2025, she never claimed he failed to recognize her. On the contrary, she reported being able to speak with her father during a visit earlier this January.
The former president has been detained at the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands, since March 2025. He faces charges of crimes against humanity related to extrajudicial killings during his administration’s controversial war on drugs campaign. Since his arrest, numerous unverified claims about his health have circulated online.
Duterte’s legal team has made several appeals regarding his detention and medical conditions, including an unsuccessful bid for interim release. His lawyers have claimed the former president suffers from a “deteriorating cognitive condition” affecting his ability to recall events, places, timing, and even recognize close family members.
However, these claims have been contested by medical experts who evaluated the former president. These experts informed the ICC that Duterte is capable of standing trial with appropriate accommodations, such as regular breaks and access to his preferred food.
Vice President Sara Duterte, another of the former president’s daughters, contradicted rumors about her father’s deteriorating condition after visiting him on January 23, 2026. In a video statement, she described him as “okay” and “pleasant.”
On January 26, the ICC officially ruled that Duterte is fit to participate in pre-trial proceedings. The confirmation of charges hearing has been scheduled for February 23, 2026.
This false claim is part of a wider pattern of misinformation surrounding the former president’s detention and condition. Fact-checkers continue to urge the public to verify information before sharing it, especially regarding high-profile cases that attract significant public attention.
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8 Comments
While the original photograph may have shown a genuine moment, the viral post’s false narrative is troubling. I’m glad the truth has been revealed, and hope this serves as a reminder to be cautious of unverified claims, especially around sensitive political issues.
The use of AI-powered image manipulation to spread misinformation is a concerning trend that requires a robust response from media outlets and fact-checking organizations. Kudos to the authorities for swiftly debunking this false claim.
Spreading disinformation through doctored images is a serious issue that undermines public trust. I appreciate the diligence of fact-checkers in verifying the authenticity of this photo and exposing the falsehoods behind the viral social media post.
You’re right, fact-checking is essential to maintain transparency and accountability, especially when it comes to sensitive political matters. Responsible journalism is key to combating the rise of misinformation online.
It’s disheartening to see how easily false narratives can spread through manipulated media. I’m glad the authorities took swift action to correct the record and prevent further propagation of this misleading claim.
Absolutely. Staying vigilant and verifying information is crucial in an age where digital manipulation tools are readily available. Fact-checking efforts help maintain the integrity of public discourse.
This case highlights the importance of critical thinking and not blindly accepting viral content at face value. I commend the fact-checkers for their diligence in identifying the altered nature of this image and setting the record straight.
This is a concerning case of misinformation. Fact-checking is crucial to combat the spread of altered images and false claims, especially around political figures. I’m glad the authorities were able to debunk this manipulated photo and set the record straight.