ICC urged to release FPRRD

The Davao City Council adopted a resolution on Tuesday, July 15, supporting a request to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, to release and repatriate former President Rodrigo Duterte here, citing humanitarian, judicial, and jurisdictional grounds.

- IVY TEJANO

The resolution, passed during a privilege speech by Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, head of the Committee on Finance, Ways and Means, and Appropriations, urged the ICC to consider either a temporary or permanent release of the former President.

Dayanghirang's proposal during the city council's third regular session was filed after Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano submitted a resolution last week asking the Philippine government to advocate for former President Duterte's interim release.

Cayetano's proposal seeks, among others, an arrangement with the ICC for the elder Duterte's custody to be transferred here under a form of house arrest, modified house arrest, or any appropriate arrangement deemed suitable by the Court.

Former President Duterte has been in the ICC for four months following his arrest on March 11, upon his return from Hong Kong, for alleged crimes against humanity during his administration's campaign against illegal drugs.