The International Criminal Court (ICC) has directed parties in the case of former president Rodrigo Duterte to submit observations on his continued detention.
In an order dated May 1 but only made public on Monday, Trial Chamber III said it was seeking updated positions from the prosecution, defense, and other participants on whether Duterte should remain in custody or be released, with or without conditions, citing possible “changed circumstances.” The parties have until May 8, 2026 to submit their answer.
The chamber, composed of Presiding Judge Joanna Korner, Judge Keebong Paek, and Judge Nicolas Guillou, noted that under the Rome Statute, pre-trial detention must be reviewed at least every 120 days.
The order followed a series of earlier rulings affirming Duterte’s detention. In September 2025, Pre-Trial Chamber I denied his request for interim release, a decision later upheld by the Appeals Chamber in November 2025.
The pre-trial chamber again reviewed Duterte’s detention in January 2026 and ordered that he remain in custody, a ruling affirmed on appeal in March 2026.
An annual hearing on the review of detention was also held on February 27, during which both parties and participants presented their arguments.
Trial Chamber III said the latest directive aims to give all parties the opportunity to present any new developments that may affect the court’s assessment of whether continued detention is necessary.