FACT CHECK: ‘Duterte’ chants in video are manipulated, not taken in Netherlands

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The manipulated video circulates on social media following the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte to face the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands

Claim: A video shows a mass demonstration in the Netherlands where former president Rodrigo Duterte is detained to face the International Criminal Court over crimes against humanity committed in his drug war campaign.

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: The Facebook reel has gained 62,300 likes, 12,600 comments, and 68,000 shares, as of writing. 

It shows a crowd of protesters seemingly chanting “Duterte!” in support of the former president.

The facts: The video is manipulated. It was not filmed in the Netherlands but in the City of Niš, Serbia. Google Maps shows that the buildings in Niš match those seen in the viral clip.

On Saturday, March 1, thousands gathered in Niš to honor victims of a railway station disaster and join a student-led protest, marking the biggest challenge yet to the Serbian government, Reuters reported.

Duterte’s arrest: Duterte was arrested on March 11 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport following the issuance of a warrant of arrest by the ICC. The former president was arrested over crimes against humanity committed during his administration’s bloody drug war that killed close to 30,000 people, based on tallies by human rights groups.

On the same day, Duterte was flown out of the Philippines to The Hague, Netherlands, to face trial at the international court. He is now officially in the custody of the ICC. (READ: Inside story: Rodrigo Duterte’s ICC arrest)

Following Duterte’s arrest, several false claims have circulated on social media, including fake quote cards expressing support for the former leader.

Rappler has previously fact-checked similar claims of fake chants and audio used in videos to mislead the public:

• FACT CHECK: ‘Duterte!’ chants fabricated in video of Marcos at Palarong Pambansa 2024
• FACT CHECK: Duterte chants fabricated in video of Alyansa slate rally
• FACT CHECK: Video of crowd chanting ‘Impeach Sara Now’ in Hong Kong is fake
• FACT CHECK: ‘Duterte!’ chants fabricated in video of fitness event in Dubai

– James Patrick Cruz/Rappler.com