Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s common-law wife, Honeylet Avanceña, and daughter Veronica “Kitty” Duterte were finally able to visit him inside the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facility in The Hague, Netherlands. Duterte is being held while awaiting trial for charges of crimes against humanity of murder linked to his administration’s controversial war on drugs.
Vice President Sara Duterte, who has been in The Hague since her father’s arrest to assist in forming his legal team, confirmed the visit. Honeylet and Kitty arrived in The Hague on Wednesday, March 26, but could not see the former president immediately. They were only allowed entry into the penitentiary at 1:45 p.m. (Hague Time) on Saturday, March 29.
The visit, which lasted about three hours, coincided with Duterte’s 80th birthday. Given their limited time in The Hague, the Duterte family had earlier agreed to let Honeylet and Kitty spend time with the former president on this occasion.
Vice President Sara Duterte, along with her brothers Paolo and Sebastian, are Duterte’s children from his first marriage to Elizabeth Zimmerman. Kitty, on the other hand, is Duterte’s youngest daughter with Honeylet.
The former president’s arrest and subsequent detention at the ICC have drawn international attention. Duterte faces allegations of orchestrating a violent anti-drug campaign that led to the deaths of thousands of suspected drug offenders during his term. His legal team, led by prominent lawyers and supported by his family, is working to build a strong defense against the charges.
During their visit, Honeylet and Kitty reportedly engaged in an emotional conversation with Duterte, offering moral support amid his ongoing legal battle. Although no detailed statements were released regarding the visit, sources close to the family described it as a private and heartfelt reunion.
As Duterte awaits the formal start of his trial, his family continues to rally behind him, asserting that his actions as president were aimed at protecting the Filipino people from the dangers of illegal drugs. Vice President Sara Duterte has emphasized that the family remains united in seeking justice and ensuring that Duterte receives a fair trial.
Duterte’s supporters, both in the Philippines and abroad, continue to voice their sentiments, with many expressing hopes for a favorable outcome in his legal battle at the ICC.
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