Duterte Alleges Kidnapping, Refuses ICC Hearing in Explosive Statement

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte

Duterte Alleges Kidnapping, Refuses ICC Hearing in Explosive Statement

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | February 19, 2026

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – In a stunning declaration released from the International Criminal Court (ICC) Detention Centre, former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has waived his right to attend the confirmation of charges hearings scheduled for February 23-27, 2026, and leveled extraordinary accusations against the current Philippine administration.

Duterte, facing potential charges related to his administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign, claims he was forcibly rendered to The Hague in violation of Philippine law and national sovereignty.

“I am a Filipino citizen forcibly pushed into a jet and rendered to The Hague in the Netherlands in flagrant contravention of my country’s Constitution and national sovereignty,” Duterte stated in the signed document dated February 17, 2026. “My kidnapping was facilitated by the office of the incumbent President of the Philippines with a plane specially chartered for this purpose.”

The former president offered no specific evidence to support his claim of being kidnapped by the current Philippine government.

Duterte also vehemently denied allegations that he oversaw a policy of extrajudicial killings during his presidency. He dismissed these claims as “an outrageous lie” perpetuated by his political opponents, relying on discredited sources.

Citing his age and declining health, Duterte stated his desire to remain in his ICC detention cell. “I do not wish to attend legal proceedings that I will forget within minutes. I am old, tired, and frail. I wish for this Court to respect my peace inside the cell it has placed me. I have accepted the fact that I could die in prison.”

Despite his circumstances, Duterte asserted his pride in his legacy and his unwavering loyalty to the Filipino people. “I am proud of my legacy and of my service to my countrymen around the world. Let no one doubt my love for and loyalty to the Filipino nation.”

Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte made his first appearance before the ICC judges on March 14, 2025.

The ICC has yet to respond to Duterte’s allegations. The Philippine government has also not issued an official statement regarding the former president’s claims of kidnapping and government complicity.

Duterte’s decision to waive his right to attend the hearings and his explosive accusations are likely to further complicate the already contentious legal proceedings and inflame political tensions in the Philippines. The absence of his presence at the hearings will place the burden of challenging the prosecution’s evidence solely on his legal team. The implications of these developments remain to be seen, but the case continues to be a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over human rights and international justice.