THE Philippine Embassy in The Netherlands has extended consular assistance to former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte who is now in the custody of International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity.

“In view of the winter season in Europe, the Embassy prepared, procured and delivered winter clothing, change of clothes and care packages for the former President,” said the Embassy in a statement.

“Upon the Embassy’s representation, the Netherlands’ Immigration Authorities granted those who escorted the former President, including the latter’s nurse and aide, two-day visas to enable them to rest and recover for their return flight”

Duterte was accompanied by his former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

“Former Executive Secretary Medialdea was issued a 15-day visa as counsel of the former President and has been granted permission to visit the former President at the ICC Detention Center in Scheveningen, The Hague.”

Embassy officials earlier called the attention of the ICC officials and Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials on the need to closely attend to and monitor the medical and physical conditions of the former President.

The ICC nurse, who is part of the reception party, conferred with the former President’s personal nurse on the medical condition and requirements.

The ICC nurse has relayed the information received to the ICC Medical Doctor for the conduct of medical check-up on the former President on arrival at the ICC Detention Center.

Upon arrangement by the Embassy, the ICC officials handed over to the former President the names and contact numbers of Embassy officials who can be reached by mobile phone for any consular assistance that he may need.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Chona Yu