FACT CHECK: Duterte is NOT released by ICC, contrary to viral plane return claim

Cyree Elisha Pamplona
1 Min Read

FALSE.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte is on a flight back to the Philippines after his International Criminal Court (ICC) case was dismissed.

FACT:

As of June 2025, Duterte remains detained at the ICC Detention Center in The Hague. He faces charges of crimes against humanity over the drug war during his presidency.

According to the ICC’s official schedule, Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing is set for September 23, 2025. Pre‑Trial Chamber I has not issued any decision indicating release or case dismissal. Claims of his return are unfounded and not supported by court records or reliable sources.

The post used altered visuals, including old images and fake news cards bearing the logos of ABS-CBN and TV Patrol. A reverse image search confirms the graphic was manipulated to appear like a legitimate media report.

Authorities and fact-checkers are urging the public to be cautious of posts that mimic credible news branding to spread false narratives. Sharing such content misleads the public and undermines informed discussion about high-profile legal proceedings.

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Cyree is a campus journalist and student researcher passionate about media literacy, press freedom, and youth engagement in politics. A 2nd placer in the National Schools Press Conference, she writes fact-checks, columns, news, and features that spotlight underrepresented voices. Outside the newsroom, she enjoys curating playlists, binge-watching series, and sipping iced matcha lattés while filming random TikToks.
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