Rodrigo Duterte ‘skin and bones,’ says ex-wife, as victims’ families demand justice

Elizabeth Zimmerman, the former wife of ex-Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, says Duterte, 79, has become alarmingly thin as he remains in custody in The Hague. Families of victims of the Philippine drug war say they want Duterte to remain alive to stand trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Trial awaits: Duterte was transferred to The Hague after being arrested on an ICC warrant for alleged crimes against humanity related to his 2016 to 2022 anti-drug campaign. Official government figures put the death toll from the drug war at over 6,000 while human rights groups estimate the true number could be much higher.
Like an old man: Zimmerman, who visited Duterte last week, said her former husband is “so thin, skin and bones, unlike in the picture.” When she reportedly asked Duterte why he refuses to eat the food at the facility, he told her he simply doesn’t like it since the ICC doesn’t serve Filipino food. Zimmerman noted that he no longer takes maintenance medication, has trouble with appetite and mobility and now walks weakly like an old man.
Victims’ families express concern: Zimmerman’s account of his frailty has raised questions about whether he will be able to stand trial. Kristina Conti, a lawyer at the International Criminal Court who represents families of drug war victims, said many relatives are concerned about Duterte’s condition. “We’re concerned because we want him alive for the trial,” Conti told local media. Medical officials at the ICC have said they are monitoring Duterte’s health and have made medical support available as a precaution.

This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.

Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we’re building, consider becoming a paid member — your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community.

Subscribe here now!

Share this Article