Claim: A Facebook video shows the arrival of former president Rodrigo Duterte at the Manila airport following his release from the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) detention center.
Rating: FALSE
Why we fact-checked this: On May 13, Facebook user Nanny Dayaday Blando shared a video clip of Duterte’s supposed arrival in the Philippines from The Hague.
Blando captioned it, “Tatay Digong Welcome Back and Congratulations.” She made the post a day after the elections on May 12, when Duterte was declared the winner of the Davao City mayoral race even while detained in The Netherlands over crimes against humanity accusations related to his war on drugs.
As of writing, the post has been viewed 79,000 times, shared over 370 times, and received over 570 reactions.
While some Facebook users doubt the authenticity of the video clip, others believe it is genuine.
“Welcome back, tatay namin, we are so proud of you,” one comment read.
The facts: Duterte remains at the ICC detention center in The Hague, Netherlands, where he has been detained since he was arrested on March 11 over his brutal drug war that human rights groups say claimed over 30,000 lives.
A reverse search of the video clip used in the misleading post revealed that it was from Korean star Lee Min-ho’s visit to the Philippines last April. An old video of Duterte was appended at the end of the clip, falsely making it appear that the video shows Duterte’s arrival in Manila.
The former president is set to appear before the ICC for his confirmation of charges hearing on September 23. His legal team has asked the ICC to dismiss the charges against him, citing lack of jurisdiction. (READ: Duterte’s defense hangs on ICC jurisdiction)
Election victory: Even while detained, Duterte won as Davao City mayor during the 2025 midterm polls, garnering 662,630 votes against opponent Karlo Nograles‘ 80,852. All Duterte family members who ran in the midterm polls swept their respective races via landslide wins. (READ: The future of Dutertes, Davao City after the dynasty’s 2025 landslide wins)
Despite his election victory, the former president will not serve as his city’s chief executive while detained in The Hague. His son, Vice Mayor-elect Sebastian Duterte, will serve as acting mayor.
Debunked: Since Duterte’s arrest, various claims have circulated online, including posts falsely claiming that Duterte has been released from ICC detention.
- FACT CHECK: Ex-president Duterte not set to return to PH from ICC
- FACT CHECK: Post about ICC prosecutor granting Duterte’s release is false
- FACT CHECK: No, ICC hasn’t ruled on jurisdiction and Duterte release
- FACT CHECK: No Trump promise to free Duterte from ICC custody
– Bonz Magsambol/Rappler.com
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