The International Criminal Court (ICC) Registry confirmed that former president Rodrigo Duterte is under cell monitoring for health and safety reasons.
It made the confirmation in a document dated May 20, saying the activity is pursuant to the Regulations of the Registry.
“The ICC DC Medical Officer (MO) provided advice based on Mr. Duterte being ‘an elderly detained person, with increased fall risk due to age and several chronic physical ailments’ and her continual assessment and medical care of Mr. Duterte,” the document read.
The Registry revealed there were rare occasions where Duterte did have a fall, adding that custody staff were able to immediately respond and call for medical assessment.
“Following these rare events, adjustments have been made to his cell, to better accommodate his comfort and movement and are adjusted as needed. Regarding his loss of balance, the MO and Mr. Duterte’s medical specialists are responsible for assessments that are on a medical level,” the document read.
“From the perspective of management and operational security, Mr. Duterte’s movements are consistent with his age and mobility,” it added.
The Registry said no fall has been recorded in the last 30 days.
It also recalled that the medical record is available to the former president and his defense team, while assuring continual medical care and under constant attention.
Meanwhile, ICC-assistant to counsel Kristina Conti told Manila Standard “it should not affect trial schedule.”
“He is under observation more as a precautionary measure on the part of the detaining authority. There is no direct impact on the legal necessity to try him, or the urgency to try him now,” Conti explained.
