Malacañang: Duterte supporters can express views, no loyalty check needed

Malacañang stated on Friday that it would not prevent supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte from expressing their sentiments regarding his legal battle before the International Criminal Court.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro emphasized that sympathizing with Duterte is a right and will not be prevented by the government, but she stressed that attention should also be given to drug war victims.

Castro assured there are no alarming developments for the current administration as of yet.

At a press briefing, Castro clarified that there is no need for a loyalty check among police and military personnel following Duterte's arrest.

On Tuesday, authorities served an ICC warrant of arrest against Duterte for crimes against humanity related to his drug war.

Duterte left the Philippines on Tuesday evening en route to The Hague in the Netherlands and was transferred to Scheveningen Prison early Thursday morning (Philippine time).

His first appearance at the ICC is scheduled for Friday evening Manila time.