RODRIGO DUTERTE IN ICC CUSTODY

Vice President Sara Duterte has disclosed her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, expressed a desire to be cremated in the Netherlands should he pass away while in detention there.

During her visit to the former president in The Hague, the Vice President shared his specific final request: that his remains not be repatriated to the Philippines if he dies abroad, but rather cremated on-site, with only his ashes returned home.

The Vice President noted a personal difference of opinion on the matter, mentioning that while she is not in favor of cremation, her father holds that preference. She indicated they would discuss it further at a later time.

Reflecting on her father’s statement, Vice President Duterte remarked that such considerations are “natural” for someone of his 80 years. She emphasized the importance of knowing his final wishes to ensure they are honored if the time comes.

Earlier, Vice President Duterte had commented on her father’s current physical state, describing him as having significantly lost weight and appearing “skin and bones” since his detention.

Malacañang, when approached for a statement regarding the former president’s wish, clarified that it is a private family decision. Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro affirmed that the matter rests entirely with the Duterte family.

The elder Duterte was apprehended in the Philippines on March 11, following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). He is presently held at Scheveningen Prison in The Hague, facing charges of crimes against humanity stemming from extrajudicial killings during his administration’s anti-drug campaign.