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ICC Places Duterte Under 24-7 Cell Monitoring In The Hague
Photo credit: ICC
Former President Rodrigo Duterte is now under continuous monitoring inside the International Criminal Court (ICC) Detention Centre in The Hague due to health and safety concerns, according to a public redacted document released by the ICC Registry on May 20.
The document stated that Duterte, 81, was placed under round-the-clock observation because he is considered an “elderly detained person” who faces a higher risk of falls due to age and chronic medical conditions.
Under the monitoring arrangement, detention staff can immediately respond to any emergency or accident inside his cell. The Registry also disclosed that there were “rare occasions” when Duterte reportedly fell inside the detention facility, prompting immediate medical assessments from ICC personnel.
The ICC said adjustments have since been made inside Duterte’s cell to improve his mobility and reduce the risk of further accidents. Ergonomic modifications were also introduced in some visiting areas to ensure his “free and stable movement.” The Registry added that no falls had been recorded in the last 30 days.
However, the ICC declined to disclose the specific illnesses affecting Duterte, stressing that details about his medical condition remain confidential under court rules.
Duterte remains detained at the ICC facility in Scheveningen, The Hague, while facing charges of crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s anti-drug campaign. Prosecutors allege that thousands of killings tied to the war on drugs may amount to crimes under international law, accusations Duterte has repeatedly denied while continuing to question the ICC’s jurisdiction over the Philippines.
The ICC has been regularly reviewing Duterte’s detention status, as required under the Rome Statute. Court filings earlier this month showed that judges ordered another review of whether he should remain in custody while awaiting trial.
Previous rulings from the ICC Appeals Chamber also rejected Duterte’s request for interim release, with judges citing concerns including possible flight risk and witness interference despite arguments from his legal team about his deteriorating health and advanced age.
The ICC Detention Centre houses individuals awaiting proceedings before international tribunals. Detainees are typically kept in individual cells and are provided access to medical care, outdoor exercise, family visits, and monitored communication while awaiting trial.
The document stated that Duterte, 81, was placed under round-the-clock observation because he is considered an “elderly detained person” who faces a higher risk of falls due to age and chronic medical conditions.
Under the monitoring arrangement, detention staff can immediately respond to any emergency or accident inside his cell. The Registry also disclosed that there were “rare occasions” when Duterte reportedly fell inside the detention facility, prompting immediate medical assessments from ICC personnel.
The ICC said adjustments have since been made inside Duterte’s cell to improve his mobility and reduce the risk of further accidents. Ergonomic modifications were also introduced in some visiting areas to ensure his “free and stable movement.” The Registry added that no falls had been recorded in the last 30 days.
However, the ICC declined to disclose the specific illnesses affecting Duterte, stressing that details about his medical condition remain confidential under court rules.
Duterte remains detained at the ICC facility in Scheveningen, The Hague, while facing charges of crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s anti-drug campaign. Prosecutors allege that thousands of killings tied to the war on drugs may amount to crimes under international law, accusations Duterte has repeatedly denied while continuing to question the ICC’s jurisdiction over the Philippines.
The ICC has been regularly reviewing Duterte’s detention status, as required under the Rome Statute. Court filings earlier this month showed that judges ordered another review of whether he should remain in custody while awaiting trial.
Previous rulings from the ICC Appeals Chamber also rejected Duterte’s request for interim release, with judges citing concerns including possible flight risk and witness interference despite arguments from his legal team about his deteriorating health and advanced age.
The ICC Detention Centre houses individuals awaiting proceedings before international tribunals. Detainees are typically kept in individual cells and are provided access to medical care, outdoor exercise, family visits, and monitored communication while awaiting trial.
May 21, 2026
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