Vice President Sara Duterte visited the Hague Penitentiary Institution on Thursday to retrieve several personal items of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, currently detained in the Netherlands.
Arriving around 3 p.m. local time, Sara spent roughly 20 minutes at the facility. Her aides were seen loading four suitcases and a large box into a black van. She later clarified that the items couldn’t fit in Duterte’s room and were returned temporarily for inventory and safekeeping.
“I didn’t speak with the former President today,” Sara told reporters. “We came to collect his belongings that couldn’t be accommodated in his room.”
Sara declined further questions, but confirmed that her office had prepared birthday greetings and a program to mark Duterte’s 80th birthday. “Let us pray for better health and a longer life for him,” she added.
Shortly after, Duterte’s long-time partner Honeylet Avanceña briefly entered the facility’s security area but was unable to visit him. She spoke with supporters outside, received birthday cards for Duterte, and was seen tearfully hugging one supporter. Her only comment: “Padayon lang” (Keep going).
Honeylet and daughter Veronica “Kitty” Duterte had arrived in the Netherlands earlier this week. Sara remains in the country to manage legal matters related to Duterte’s case before the International Criminal Court (ICC).