Davao City Mayor Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte plans to acquire a Schengen visa, so he can also travel to The Netherlands anytime soon to see his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and support their family amid their legal battle with the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In an interview with reporters at his residence late Thursday evening, Baste said he is planning to fly to Manila to apply for a visa, so he can visit the European country, which hosts the headquarters of the ICC at The Hague.
The Duterte patriarch is currently detained at the ICC detention center to undergo pre-trial before the chamber. He was arrested late Tuesday evening after the court found “reasonable grounds” to indict him over allegations of murder as a crime against humanity in connection with his war on drugs policy.
Baste—the youngest son of Duterte—said he needed to talk to their lawyers to discuss their options. His eldest siblings—Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte—are already in The Netherlands.
The Davao City mayor thanked their supporters and urged them to remain vigilant amid uncertainties under the Marcos administration. He also said he is grateful to lawyers, who have volunteered to defend their father in his case.
Many followers of the Duterte family went to their residence on Thursday and held a candlelight vigil in support of the embattled former president. Similar prayer rallies were also organized in various locations across the country.
