A TikTok video re-shared on Facebook and Instagram claims that former president Rodrigo Duterte is back home in Davao City after his arrest and incarceration in The Hague, Netherlands. This is false.
Published on March 16, the video features a 2022 report from GMA News showing supporters welcoming Duterte in his hometown with a homecoming concert.
But the republished video, meant to mislead netizens that the event is new, carries this caption:
“Rodrigo roa duterte nakauwi na ngayung araw galing Netherlands“
The clip used in the false post is an old report from a 24 Oras episode aired on June 30, 2022, when Duterte arrived in Davao City at the end of his presidential term.
According to the report, pro-Duterte supporters gathered at the said event to express their gratitude for his six years of service as the country’s leader.
Duterte remains under the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) after he was arrested and flown to The Hague, Netherlands on March 11. He is facing charges of murder as a crime against humanity.
He remains detained at the ICC Detention Center in Scheveningen while awaiting the confirmation of charges hearing scheduled for September 23, 2025.
While Duterte can apply for an interim release under Article 60 of the Rome Statute, which allows a suspect temporary freedom while waiting for trial, the ICC needs to approve the application.
On March 14, Duterte made his first appearance before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber so the court can verify his identity and ensure the former president is aware of the charges he is facing – the crime against humanity of murder committed during his administration’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.
The erroneous post has garnered 684,600 views, 13,600 likes, and 1,450 shares as of writing time.
