Sara Duterte denies viral photos of her father: ‘He’s fine, just slim’

Former President Rodrigo Duterte (L) and VIce President Sara Duterte. | PHOTOS: Screengrab from ICC and official Facebook page of Inday Sara Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte refuted photos circulating online that claim to show former president Rodrigo Duterte’s current condition while in the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.

Sara made the statement after visiting her father at the ICC detention center.

“The photo isn’t real. I saw one showing him in a hospital bed wearing a hospital bracelet. That photo is fake, and no photos have been released from inside,” Sara said mostly in Filipino in a chance interview.

“But former President Rodrigo Duterte is not weak either,” she added.

Sara also denied the authenticity of another image allegedly showing a malnourished Duterte, calling it “too much.”

“Right now, he doesn’t look malnourished or weak. He’s just naturally slim,” she clarified.

When asked whether any official photos or medical bulletins about the former president could be released, Sara said there were none for now but added she would consult his legal team to explore the possibility.

The ICC currently has custody of Rodrigo Duterte after his arrest and transfer to The Hague in connection with alleged crimes against humanity committed during his administration’s controversial war on drugs.

READ: War on drugs: The violence, scars, doubts and families it left behind

His infamous anti-drug campaign led to at least 6,000 reported deaths, though human rights groups estimate the number to be closer to 20,000. /jpv