Geline Salac

VP Sara, Honeylet Avanceña visit ICC detention facility before Duterte's birthday

Article (news)

Rose Eclarinal

Jofelle Tesorio

ABS-CBN News

THE HAGUE –  Vice President Sara Duterte and Honeylet Avanceña, the common-law wife of former president Rodrigo Duterte, made twin visits to the International Criminal Court detention facility Thursday, a day before the latter&#x27;s birthday, but did not meet him.The Vice President arrived at the facility, located in a Dutch prison complex in Scheveningen,  at around 3 p.m. Netherlands time (10 p.m. in Manila). About twenty minutes later, her aides were seen collecting four suitcases and one large box, which they loaded into a black van.The Vice President did not issue a statement or entertain questions from the media. However, she addressed the crowd gathered outside the detention facility, advising them to be careful when filming, especially when ICC employees were entering and exiting the premises.When asked if she saw her father, she replied that she had not and was only there to pick up some belongings.“Hindi ko po nakausap si Pangulong Duterte. Nandito lang kami para kunin ang mga gamit na hiningi namin na kunin kasi hindi na siya maipasok sa loob ng kuwarto ni Pangulong Duterte. Kaya ibinalik muna sa amin para maimbentaryo at maitago,” she said.“Hindi po kami nagkita ngayong araw na ito. Nandito lang kami para kunin ang gamit,” she added.A few minutes after VP Duterte’s van left the facility, Duterte’s common-law wife, Honeylet Avanceña, was seen entering the reception area but returned almost immediately.She became emotional upon seeing some of former president Duterte&#x27;s supporters, hugging them and expressing gratitude for their support.“Salamat ha,” she said.When asked for a statement, she responded, “Padayon lang.” (Just keep going)She then added, “Walang imposible sa Ginoo.” (Nothing is impossible with the Lord)<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hMMNUPVPeE4?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> </div>Avanceña was also seen speaking with one of Duterte’s legal counsels, inquiring about the possibility of entering the facility on Friday. The counsel was heard saying that Avanceña was on the list of family visitors for Friday.“There is no guarantee, but we can tell you that we are doing our best,” the counsel said.Supporters of the former president continue to gather outside the detention facility, and a small gathering is expected tomorrow, Friday, to celebrate the former president&#x27;s 80th birthday.On Wednesday afternoon, Avanceña and her daughter, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, also attempted to visit the former president but were unsuccessful.<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ihwQN2Kg-DU?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> </div>Duterte is facing charges of murder as a crime against humanity in the ICC over his bloody war on drugs during his administration. He made his first appearance in front of the court via videolink last March 14.

Vice President Sara Duterte and Honeylet Avanceña, the common-law wife of former president Rodrigo Duterte, made twin visits to the International Criminal Court detention facility Thursday, a day before the latter's birthday, but did not meet him.

Vice President Sara Duterte and Honeylet Avanceña, the common-law wife of former president Rodrigo Duterte, made twin visits to the International Criminal Court detention facility Thursday, a day before the latter's birthday, but did not meet him.