Former President Rodrigo Duterte expressed elation after Davao City was recently recognized as the third safest city in Southeast Asia in the Numbeo Safety Index 2025, earning a score of 71.5.
The former president’s reaction was relayed by her daughter, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, who is currently in The Hague, Netherlands, to visit her father.
The Safety Index is an international benchmark that considers reported crime rates, police efficiency, and residents’ sense of security in daily life.
Numbeo only includes cities with sufficient number of contributors, making Davao City’s placement both a reflection of public perception and a confirmation of its peace and order situation.
Kitty also said that FPRRD expressed pride in acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte for his dedication to work as a leader in Davao City.
“He is very happy to hear that, and very proud of Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte,” Kitty said.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte confirmed that she, Davao City First District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, and Kitty are now in the Netherlands.
In the brief clip, the vice president can be heard saying, “We are all here as we were called by our father, who is set to symbolically turn over what she described as “ang bato ni Darna.”
On the other hand, lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, lead counsel of FPRRD, reiterated his request to the ICC for the interim release of the former president, saying his continued detention would not be fair or reasonable.
According to Kaufman, the conditions under Article 58(1)(b) are not met, which include, risk of flight, the risk of interference with witnesses, and the risk of committing crimes.
The defense team of FPRRD also informed the ICC that a cooperating state has expressed willingness to accept the former president in its territory and enforce conditions for his release.
“The receiving country will also ensure monitoring conditions and contact restrictions of the former President’s release, including videoconferencing in case confirmation proceedings may be waived,” the defense team stated.
On June 12, 2025, the defense team of FPRRD filed a petition requesting his interim release.
