ICC Confirms Charges Against Former Philippine President Duterte
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have confirmed charges of crimes against humanity against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. These charges relate to the alleged deadly anti-drug operations conducted during his tenure.
A panel of three judges unanimously determined there were “substantial grounds” to suspect Duterte’s involvement in numerous murders, first as mayor of Davao and later as president.
Duterte, who led the Philippines from 2016 until 2022, was apprehended in the Philippines last year and transported to The Hague. He denies the allegations against him.
The ICC’s decision, detailed in a 50-page document, accuses Duterte, 81, of orchestrating a policy to “neutralize” alleged criminals.
ICC spokesperson Oriane Maillet announced the formal charges, noting Duterte’s arrest at the age of 80 last year.
Prosecutors allege that police and hit squad members carried out numerous killings under Duterte’s orders, incentivized by financial rewards or fear of becoming targets themselves. Deputy prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang highlighted during pretrial hearings that “For some, killing reached the level of a perverse form of competition.”
Death toll estimates during Duterte’s presidency vary widely, with national police figures exceeding 6,000, while human rights groups suggest up to 30,000.
Prosecutors view the ICC’s recent decision as a significant step towards accountability.
Duterte’s defense lawyer, Nick Kaufman, expressed disappointment, criticizing the decision as reliant on “uncorroborated statements of vicious self-confessed murderers acting as cooperating witnesses.” The trial date is yet to be set.
Duterte, who has waived his right to appear in court, was found fit to stand trial despite earlier health-related hearing postponements.
In the Philippines, families of victims from the anti-drug campaign expressed relief, viewing the decision as a step towards justice. Randy delos Santos, whose nephew was a victim, remarked on the significance of the ICC giving voice to the victims’ stories.
Human Rights Watch’s Maria Elena Vignoli emphasized the trial as a message that no one is above the law.
ICC prosecutors began a preliminary investigation in 2018 into the violent crackdowns. Shortly after, Duterte announced the Philippines’ withdrawal from the court, a move activists saw as evading accountability.
Recently, appeals judges dismissed a request from Duterte’s legal team to dismiss the case based on jurisdictional claims due to the Philippines’ withdrawal.
In October, chief prosecutor Karim Khan was disqualified from the case due to perceived bias, having previously represented victims of Duterte’s alleged crimes.
