MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the President has granted Vice President Sara Duterte the necessary travel authority for her visit to the Netherlands, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed on Wednesday.
The travel authority was issued at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, just hours before her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, was transported to The Hague to face charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The charges against former President Duterte stem from his controversial war on drugs during his presidency.
The ICC has been investigating human rights violations linked to this campaign.
Vice President Duterte’s travel itinerary includes stops in Germany, France, and Belgium, in addition to the Netherlands. While in Europe, she is expected to engage in diplomatic and official engagements.
Reports indicate that Vice President Duterte boarded a flight to Amsterdam early on Wednesday.
Her office stated that her visit to The Hague is meant to assist her father’s legal team in preparing for the ICC proceedings.
The case against Rodrigo Duterte stems from allegations of widespread human rights abuses and unlawful killings during his anti-drug campaign.
The Philippine government, under his administration, has consistently denied the allegations, arguing that the campaign was necessary to address a severe drug problem in the country.
However, human rights organizations and international bodies have criticized the approach for its lack of due process.