Meta Suspends SMNI’s Facebook Accounts as Duterte Faces ICC Detention
Meta has suspended the Facebook accounts of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), a Philippine media outlet known for supporting former President Rodrigo Duterte, citing policy violations. SMNI confirmed that its affiliates, DZAR 1026 and SMNI Integrated News, were also affected. Meta alleged that SMNI engaged in content that expressed “hatred or contempt for a group of people and used harmful racial stereotypes.” In response, SMNI defended its stance, stating it would continue to “speak the truth that matters.”
Meanwhile, Duterte remains in detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, facing crimes against humanity charges related to his controversial war on drugs. Court records indicate that he will be held until at least September 23, when a hearing for the confirmation of charges is scheduled.
Duterte’s legal team, led by British lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, may apply for interim release on health grounds, though the ICC has never granted such a request in similar cases. The Philippine Justice Department has urged the Supreme Court to dismiss a habeas corpus petition filed by Duterte’s children, arguing it is “moot” since he is legally detained under international proceedings.
In a related development, three Filipino lawyers, including former Justice Secretary Silvestre Bello III, are set to travel to the Netherlands to assist Duterte’s legal defense. Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who was rumored to join the defense team, is reportedly seeking asylum in the Netherlands after facing a human trafficking case in late 2024. Additionally, Vice President Sara Duterte, Duterte’s daughter, has confirmed she will not be involved in his legal proceedings.
