THE HAGUE— Former president Rodrigo Duterte is reportedly in stable condition but visibly emaciated while under detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Netherlands, according to his ex-wife, Elizabeth Zimmerman, as shared by former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, Roque relayed Zimmerman’s observations following her recent visit to the ICC detention center in The Hague. “He is okay, but he is so thin. Skin and bones,” Zimmerman was quoted as saying.
Despite the noticeable weight loss, Zimmerman noted that Duterte, 79, is managing well, spending most of his time watching television inside the facility.
She added that the former leader finds the weather in the Netherlands unusually warm.
Duterte is currently facing charges of crimes against humanity in connection with the thousands of deaths attributed to his controversial war on drugs during his term as president.
Roque also said Duterte is not taking any maintenance medication.
“He is healthy, but as an old man, he has difficulty walking,” Roque added, quoting Zimmerman.
Zimmerman said Duterte remains in good spirits and left a short message for his supporters: “You go home. Thank you for your support. I am okay.”