THE common-law wife of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Honeylet Avanceña, has made an emotional appeal for compassion as Duterte marks one month in detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
Avanceña addressed Duterte supporters during a prayer vigil held in his honor, asking the public and international community for leniency toward the 80-year-old former leader, who is currently facing charges of crimes against humanity over the thousands of deaths linked to his administration’s controversial war on drugs.
“We’re keeping his spirits up. I told him, let’s just keep praying,” said Avanceña, holding back tears. “His faith in God remains strong. He said he’s ready to accept whatever the Lord wills for him.”
“Just have compassion. You don’t even have to respect him—just show mercy. After all, he served the country,” she added.
The vigil was also attended by several of Duterte’s close allies, including former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea, and Duterte’s legal counsel, Martin Delgra.
In his remarks, Roque drew parallels between Duterte’s current situation and the exile of the Marcos family, who fled the Philippines after a peaceful uprising ended their two-decade rule.
“Our nation once drove out the Marcoses. Now, as if in revenge, they’ve driven out our beloved Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” Roque said. “But unlike the Marcoses who were cast out in disgrace, Duterte is being mourned by many. He is now in a foreign land, judged by foreigners—something he never wanted to happen.”
Supporters also lit candles and performed songs during the vigil, including a rendition of Celine Dion’s “Immortality.”
Duterte was arrested on March 11 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 upon his return from Hong Kong and was flown to The Hague on a chartered flight with Medialdea.
He spent his 80th birthday behind bars while his supporters held a symbolic birthday picnic outside the ICC detention center.
He is scheduled to appear before the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I on September 23 for the confirmation of charges.