Vice President Sara Z. Duterte issued a strongly worded statement late Saturday condemning the International Criminal Court (ICC) for what she described as “inhumane” treatment of her father, Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who remains in detention under ICC custody.

In a media release from the Office of the Vice President, Duterte accused the ICC of allowing Philippine government agents to conduct a covert “welfare check” on the former president, which she claims amounted to an intrusion and exploitation of his deteriorating health.

“This is nothing less than an abuse of power against a vulnerable individual,” the Vice President stated.

The release further revealed that Duterte was found unconscious in his room and subjected to laboratory tests without the knowledge or consent of his family. No explanation was reportedly given for the incident, raising concerns about the ICC’s ability to ensure his safety.

Vice President Duterte also criticized the ICC for allegedly failing to provide even basic medical care, citing delays in treating a minor condition such as an ingrown toenail and the absence of a 24-hour caregiver.

“To deprive an elderly man — abducted, denied his rights under Philippine law, and subjected to surveillance disguised as ‘welfare checks’ — of basic dignity and proper care is not justice. This is cruelty,” she said.

The Vice President emphasized that her father poses no flight risk, has not threatened any witnesses, and has no political ambitions, arguing that his continued detention serves no legal purpose and is instead punitive.

She called on the ICC to “act now to rectify this gross injustice” and to extend humanitarian considerations to the former president.

The ICC has yet to respond to the statement.