Vice President Sara Duterte thanks overseas supporters of Free Duterte Now movement
Vice President Sara Duterte expressed gratitude to Filipinos in the Netherlands and nearby countries who joined the Free Duterte Now movement after the ICC ruled the former president fit for trial.
Sara Duterte used a Saturday Facebook message to acknowledge and thank Filipinos living in the Netherlands and neighboring countries who have aligned with the Free Duterte Now movement, which was organized in The Hague in recent months. The gratitude follows the International Criminal Court's Trial Chamber III finding that former President Rodrigo Duterte is medically fit to face charges of crimes against humanity stemming from his administration's anti-drug campaign.
The court has scheduled the trial to start on November 30, 2026, and Malacañang expressed optimism that the 81-year-old former leader will stay healthy enough for the case. Sara highlighted that the ongoing support and prayers bolster her family's resolve, and she called on supporters to keep praying for both her father's safe return and the country's peace and safety. She concluded with a patriotic appeal for love of the Philippines for God, the nation, and every Filipino family.
Why it matters
The statement shows the Philippine leadership's effort to rally diaspora support amid a high-profile ICC trial of a former president.
How this story developed
- Oct 8 ICC declares former Philippine president Duterte competent to face trial
- Oct 9 The ICC Trial Chamber III ruled Duterte fit to stand trial.
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