Contrary to the claim of the lawyers of Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has formally asked ICC pre-trial judges to deny his request for interim release to an undisclosed third country.

ICC deputy prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang asked the Pre-Trial Chamber I to reject Duterte’s urgent request, citing the risk of endangering ongoing investigations and even the court’s proceeding.

Victims of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war have also opposed his bid for interim release, arguing that this could allow him to evade justice and even pose danger to their security.

Paolina Massidda, Prinsipal Counsel of the Office of Counsel to Victims (OCV) of the ICC, argued that Duterte’s detention remained necessary given the gravity of the charges against him, his access to evidence and identities of witnesses, and the power that he continues to wield.

“Victims also oppose the Request on the basis that their security and well-being will be in danger in the event that Mr. Duterte is released. In this regard, victims have expressed their strong concerns about the possibility that the suspect enjoys interim release, even with conditions, fearing reprisals,” she said.

Besides, no humanitarian reasons have been established to justify his interim release, Massidda said.

The prosecution has asked the Pre-Trial Chamber I to dismiss the defense request for the interim release of former President Rodrigo Duterte to an undisclosed country.

In a related development, the governments of Australia and Belgium have both rejected requests to host former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte should the interim release currently being sought by his lawyers be granted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).