VP Sara denies rumors former president Rodrigo Duterte was found unconscious in his ICC cell

Former president Rodrigo Duterte is very much alive and well.

Vice President Sara Duterte confirmed this last Sunday, Nov. 23, amid rumors that her father was found unconscious in his cell at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands.

“His lawyer called him last night, especially after the news came out that he was found unconscious in his room, and the lawyer said that he was OK,” the VP told News5.

According to The Philippine STAR, the VP shut down the claim anew at the recently concluded “Run for Du30” event in Davao City as she expressed her gratitude to everyone supporting her parent.

“It was not true and nothing of the sort happened,” she said, noting that even the former PH leader calls it a prank.

Per the VP, their family is waiting for the Nov. 28 public hearing regarding the ICC's appeal for her father's interim release.

“We hope to hear good news… But if not, the family will continue to support him in his stay in The Hague and work with his defense team regarding his legal case,” she said.

The elder Duterte has been at the ICC since March 12.

He was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on March 11 following a warrant of arrest issued by the ICC via the International Criminal Police Organization.

He has been accused of being an "indirect co-perpetrator for the crime against humanity of murder pursuant to Article 7 (1)(a) of the Rome Statute."

Specifically, he was allegedly involved in the murder of at least 19 persons reported to be drug pushers or thieves who were killed by members of the Davao Death Squad in various locations in or around Davao City between 2011 and 2016, as well as the murder of at least 24 alleged criminals who were killed by or under the supervision of members of the Philippines law enforcement at various locations in the country between 2016 and 2019 during his term as president.

He could be the first Asian former head of state to be indicted by the ICC.

If the charges against him are confirmed during his pre-trial hearing, it could take months before the case eventually goes on trial. A final judgment may be rendered after years.