CLAIM: The International Criminal Court has decided to release former president Rodrigo Duterte.
RATING: FALSE
A YouTube account falsely claimed that the International Criminal Court (ICC) had released a decision granting freedom to former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Flagged content: YouTube account “BANTAY BUWAYA” uploaded a video on Dec. 30, 2025, claiming that former president Duterte was free to return home based on an alleged ICC decision.
- The caption of the video reads, “WOW! GOODNEWS! LATEST UPDATE FORMER PRES DUTERTE, MAKAKALAYA AT MAKAKA UWI NA? PALASY0 NA-SHOCKED? (sic) (“Wow! Good news! Latest update [about] former president Duterte, will he be released from ICC custody and will return home? Palace was shocked?”)
- The overlay text in the thumbnail reads, “DIGONG NASA PINAS NA. 1CC NAGDISISYON NA. FPRRD MAKAKALAYA AT MAKAKAUWI NA? CONFIRMED! GOODNEWS! (sic)” (“Digong’s already in the Philippines. ICC decided that FPRRD [Duterte] will be released and will return home? Confirmed! Good news!”)
Our debunk: Former president Duterte’s case profile status at the international tribunal remains “in ICC custody.”
- On Dec. 24, 2025, the ICC released a document about disclosure of evidence. This is the most recent document about Duterte published by the ICC. The ICC later published additional documents regarding Duterte’s case, but none contained information about any decision to release him from custody.
Rewind: On Nov. 28, 2025, Duterte’s request for interim release was rejected by the ICC.
- On Dec. 18, 2025, ICC published a document containing the findings of medical experts stating that Duterte was fit to stand trial.
Why we fact-check this: As of writing, the video has drawn 5,400 views, 359 likes, and 31 comments.
- The YouTube account “BANTAY BUWAYA” has 172,000 subscribers.
Spot the fake: Be wary of content on social media platforms claiming to be reporting breaking news.
- Cross-check and verify information by visiting official websites or searching for news from reputable media organizations. Jessica Mae Galicto
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