- Uniformed personnel and supporters moved as Duterte surfaces after 18 months
MORE THAN a year and a half after he was taken to The Hague in March 2025, former President Rodrigo Duterte’s first public appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) has triggered an emotional wave of relief, tears, and overwhelming online support from Filipinos.
For millions of supporters across the country and in his home region of Mindanao, seeing the former chief executive walk into the courtroom for the third status conference on Sept. 16, 2026, shattered months of anxious speculation regarding his health and well-being.
‘Tears of Joy’ and high morale
The emotional resonance of the moment echoed deeply across various sectors, including within the ranks of uniformed service personnel.
Reflecting on the widespread public reaction, one uniformed service officer shared a sentiment felt by many supporters:
“Alam mo ba ma’am, parang nakaka iyak at nakaka-high morale makita ang picture ng former president natin ngayon,” he said.
Social media feeds erupted immediately following the release of footage and photos from the courtroom.
“TATAY DIGONG,” this was the caption used by Senators Bong Go and Robin Padilla in their social media posts on Wednesday, Sept. 16, when Duterte appeared for the third status conference of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber III.
Sen. Rodante Marcoleta said he was happy to see that former President Rodrigo Duterte appeared to be in good condition after being shown a social media post of Duterte’s appearance before the ICC. “Malaki ang naitulong niya (Duterte) kung bakit ako naging Senator… I’m happy for him.”
Former Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga also wrote, “Our Leader, President Duterte, is Alive and Healthy! We will keep fighting for him!”
In the video by GMA News, some families of the alleged drug war victims were seen smiling and even recording with their cellphones when the former President appeared on screen.
When one mother was asked about her reaction, she smilingly said:
“I’m happy because we saw that he is strong.”
Because of this, the scene drew various witty and teasing remarks in the comment section.
“Went off script.”
“They forgot their script.”
“Wrong rehearsal!”
Another netizen commented that the group was supposed to be angry, but instead, “they look so happy.”
“Duterte — detained in The Hague for about 18 months — appears calm, composed, and smiling,” retired MGEN. Romeo V. Poquiz said after former President Rodrigo Duterte made his first in-person appearance before ICC judges.
“Meanwhile, back home, the man who caused his illegal extradition and the one who presides over a country struggling with political conflict, corruption allegations and mounting national problems appears haggard and visibly under pressure,” he said.
Many local supporters admitted they had feared the worst—anticipating images of the former president confined to a wheelchair or physically incapacitated after 18 months of detention.
Instead, the sight of a resilient Duterte sparked an outpouring of raw emotion, with supporters outside the Hague declaring, “He’s a fighter.”
Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque also highlighted the former leader’s physical demeanor online, noting, “Walang wheelchair. Walang oxygen at heartbeat monitor. Walang drama.”
Digital wave of support
The public response transcended emotional reactions on the ground, translating into historic engagement metrics across major Philippine and International news networks.
Within hours of his appearance, posts featuring Duterte’s return to the public eye drew hundreds of thousands of heart reactions on social media platforms.
Netizens flooded comment sections with messages of solidarity, emphasizing his enduring popularity and resilience despite the gravity of the crimes against humanity charges tied to his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Even his signature pose, where he puts his hands on his face whenever he is in a pensive mood, was seen in one of his photos.
Legal hurdles remain
While the emotional resonance among supporters and personnel has given new life to his political base, Trial Chamber III ordered that Duterte remain detained ahead of his scheduled Nov. 30, 2026 trial, citing an increased risk of flight and witness interference.
However, for a public that had gone nearly a year and a half without a glimpse of the former leader, the images from The Hague provided an unmistakable symbol of endurance.
