Manila, June 24 -- Prosecutors have formally asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands to reject former president Rodrigo Duterte's bid for interim release.

In a 15-page filing dated June 23, Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang requested that the ICC chamber reject the request of Duterte's lawyers for his release to a country that will be willing to take him in.

"The Prosecution's position is that Mr. Duterte's continued detention is necessary to ensure his appearance at trial, ensure that he does not obstruct or endanger the investigation or court proceedings, and prevent him from committing crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court," the document read.

The prosecution also noted that the former leader...