Duterte marks Christmas, New Year in ICC detention sans family visits

Metro Manila, Philippines –  Detained former president Rodrigo Duterte will spend Christmas and New Year without his family after the International Criminal Court (ICC) barred holiday visitations under its detention rules.

Duterte’s youngest daughter, Veronica Duterte, also known as Kitty, confirmed this in an interview aired on the Facebook page of vlogger Alvin & Tourism, saying she personally informed her father of the restriction.

“ Honestly, he was quite disappointed,” Kitty said, recalling her father’s reaction upon learning that family visits would not be allowed on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day. She said she tried to reassure him that relatives and supporters would still be nearby.

“I told him we’re just close. We’re outside. My mother and I will be outside together with Filipino supporters — and also foreign supporters,” she said.

According to Kitty, detainees inside the ICC facility usually hold their own celebrations, although participation is optional.

“I don’t know when or how they’re going to do it. I just know that they usually gather together. It’s up to him if he wants to join,” she said.

According to the ICC website, the tribunal is on judicial recess from Dec. 12 to Jan. 5, during which court proceedings are suspended. The ICC also lists Dec. 25 and 26 as official holidays, a schedule that further restricts visitation during the Christmas holiday period.

Kitty said her visit ended with a prayer and that her father appeared to be coping despite the circumstances.

“He seemed OK. Obviously not in the best state, but he is strong as usual,” she said.

Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte said she has not yet spoken to her father this Christmas, noting that only telephone calls are allowed. 

She spent Christmas Day at their ancestral home in Davao City.

VP Duterte visited her father at The Hague, Netherlands early this month.

“Malungkot lang dahil siya ay nasa detention  pero masaya ako dahil nabigyan kami ng ganyan na pagkakataon, mag-amang na mag-one-on-one at one hour and a half everyday,” she said. 

[Translation: I’m just sad because he’s in detention, but I’m happy because we were given the chance to be together as father and child one‑on‑one for an hour and a half every day.]

Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity over his deadly war on drugs, which left thousands dead during his presidency.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Lance Mejico contributed to this report.