ICC lifts restriction vs unnamed Duterte visitor

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June 13, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Trial judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have lifted restrictions on an individual previously barred from visiting former president Rodrigo Duterte at his detention facility in The Hague.

In a seven-page decision dated June 11, the ICC Trial Chamber III granted the defense’s request to add an individual, whose name was redacted, to the list of people allowed to have contact with Duterte.

The decision did not identify the individual, and it was unclear whether it referred to Duterte’s partner, Honeylet Avanceña.

Last year, Avanceña confirmed that she had been barred from visiting the former president after they allegedly discussed details of the case during a phone call.

In its ruling, the ICC Trial Chamber III noted that the prosecution did not object to updating the restrictions.

Under ICC rules, detainees are entitled to visits from family members, including a spouse or partner, as well as from a minister or spiritual adviser. They are also entitled to private meetings with defense lawyers and privileged communication with consular or diplomatic representatives.

Duterte has been regularly visited by his children Sara, Sebastian, Paolo and Veronica. He has also received visits from his former wife Elizabeth Zimmerman and some of his grandchildren.