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4w ago

Rodrigo Duterte's 80th Birthday Marked by Protests Over ICC Detention

The former Philippine president remains in custody in The Hague as supporters organize rallies and his family challenges the legality of his arrest.

Supporters of the arrested former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte sing Happy Birthday while holding lit candles and phones during a gathering to mark his 80th birthday in his hometown Davao City, Philippines, March 28, 2025. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez
A protester lights a candle on a mock cake at a protest during the 80th birthday of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who remains in ICC custody for war crimes allegations, in Manila, Philippines, March 28, 2025. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David
Riot police stand in formation during a rally celebrating Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s 80th birthday, who remains in ICC custody for war crimes allegations, in Manila, Philippines, March 28, 2025. REUTERS/Noel Celis
Supporters of the arrested former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gather on his 80th birthday in his hometown Davao City, Philippines, March 28, 2025. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

Overview

  • Rodrigo Duterte, detained by the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity, turned 80 while in custody in The Hague.
  • Supporters organized over 200 rallies in the Philippines demanding his release, while left-wing activists held separate demonstrations calling for justice for drug war victims.
  • Sara Duterte, the vice president and Duterte's daughter, has been assisting with his legal defense and criticized the ICC's actions as unjustified.
  • The ICC alleges Duterte's anti-drug campaign constituted a 'widespread and systematic attack' on civilians, with thousands killed, many without proof of drug involvement.
  • Duterte's arrest has deepened political tension between his family and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with the Philippine military reaffirming its neutrality following criticism from Sara Duterte.