Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is very much alive, Vice President Sara Duterte confirmed on Sunday, November 23, amid circulating rumors that he was found unconscious in his cell at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.

“His lawyer called him last night, especially after the news came out that he was found unconscious in his room, and the lawyer said that he was OK,” the VP told News5.

The vice president also addressed the claim at the recent “Run for Du30” event in Davao City, expressing gratitude to supporters of her father.

“It was not true and nothing of the sort happened,” she said, noting that even the former president himself called it a prank.

Sara Duterte added that their family is awaiting the ICC public hearing on November 28 regarding the appeal for her father’s interim release.

“We hope to hear good news… But if not, the family will continue to support him in his stay in The Hague and work with his defense team regarding his legal case,” she said.

Rodrigo Duterte has been at the ICC since March 12, following his arrest at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on March 11 in connection with a warrant issued by the ICC via Interpol.

He faces accusations as an “indirect co-perpetrator for the crime against humanity of murder pursuant to Article 7 (1)(a) of the Rome Statute.” The charges relate to the alleged killings of at least 19 individuals linked to the Davao Death Squad between 2011 and 2016, as well as the deaths of at least 24 alleged criminals during his presidency between 2016 and 2019.

If confirmed during the pre-trial hearing, Duterte could become the first Asian former head of state to be indicted by the ICC. The case could take months or even years before reaching trial and final judgment.