On April 23, judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) unanimously upheld all charges of crimes against humanity against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. The case will now proceed to substantive hearings.
According to the ICC’s ruling, there is substantial evidence suggesting that the 81-year-old Duterte played a significant role in the killings of 76 individuals and attempted murder of two others during his controversial anti-drug campaign, which reportedly led to the deaths of thousands of civilians in the Philippines.
The court stated, “The available evidence indicates the existence of a joint plan between Mr. Duterte and his associates to kill alleged criminals in the Philippines, including individuals suspected or believed to be involved in drug use, trafficking, or production, through violent crimes, including murder.”
As per the ICC, Duterte established, funded, and armed death squads that targeted suspected drug offenders during his presidency from 2016 to 2022.
Duterte has maintained that he instructed law enforcement to use force only in self-defense.
On April 21, the ICC’s Appeals Chamber rejected an attempt to dismiss Duterte’s case and reaffirmed the court’s jurisdiction. Typically, there is about a year between the confirmation of charges and the start of trial in previous cases.
The case will now be referred to the ICC’s Trial Chamber, which will commence substantive proceedings.
The ICC began hearings regarding the former Philippine leader’s case on March 14, 2025. Just three days prior, he was arrested under a court-issued warrant. He faces allegations of crimes against humanity related to his anti-drug campaign from 2016 to 2022, which resulted in thousands of deaths. Supporters and family members of Duterte have claimed that his arrest is unlawful, arguing that the Philippines has not been a party to the Rome Statute since 2019 and does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction.
The ICC has confirmed charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, allowing the case to move forward. The court cites significant evidence of his involvement in a violent anti-drug campaign that resulted in numerous civilian deaths.
Source: Reuters