Following a visit to her father at the Scheveningen prison of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Netherlands on 8/7, vice president Sara Duterte told reporters, "My father said if he dies in the Netherlands, he doesn't want his body brought back to the Philippines. He wants to be cremated here and have his ashes returned home."

However, she expressed her disapproval of cremation and stated that they would need to discuss the matter further. She recounted her father "jokingly threatening to haunt her if she didn't comply with his wishes."

Reflecting on her father's wishes, she said it's "natural for someone in their eighties." She added, "Think of it that way. It's good that everyone knows his wishes so they can be carried out when the time comes."

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte in Quezon, 11/2024. Photo: Reuters

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte in Quezon, 11/2024. Photo: Reuters

The 80-year-old former president was arrested at Manila International Airport in March and transferred to the Scheveningen prison. He faces charges of crimes against humanity filed by the ICC related to his administration's war on drugs.

The ICC trial could take 2 to 8 years. During this period, Duterte is being held in a well-equipped cell within the ICC's detention center at Scheveningen prison.

During her visit on 8/7, Sara Duterte observed that her father had lost weight in prison, but appeared healthier with better skin tone.

During his 2016-2022 presidency, Duterte launched a controversial anti-drug campaign that empowered police to kill suspected drug offenders without trial.

Police figures report over 6,000 deaths, but human rights groups estimate the actual number to be around 30,000. If convicted, Duterte could face decades in prison.

Duc Trung (Straits Times, Inquirer, Reuters)