The International Criminal Court (ICC) Office of the Prosecutor has requested to reject former President Rodrigo Duterte's request for interim release to the Pre-Trial Chamber 1.

In a 15-page document signed by Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, the prosecution stated that the former president does not accept the legitimacy of the legal proceedings against him.

It also stated that his interim release "would risk interference with the Prosecution’s investigation and hearing preparations at this critical stage," with reasons such as the former President's ability to intimidate witnesses and his history, along with associates, of interfering with investigations against him.

"The release of Mr Duterte could risk bringing real and substantial harm to the legitimate interests of victims and witnesses," it stated.

The prosecution stated that his continued detention is necessary to ensure his appearance at the trial, to prevent him from endangering the proceedings, and committing crimes as he did when the country was still under ICC jurisdiction.

Duterte's defense team requested an interim release of the former President to an undisclosed country last June 12. Kate Christian Ravelo/DMS