ICC says former Philippine president Duterte “authorized killings”

Monday 23 February 2026 - 16:30

By: Sahili Aya

ICC says former Philippine president Duterte “authorized killings”

The International Criminal Court has stated that former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte “authorized killings” and personally selected some of the alleged victims during his controversial anti-drug campaign, as judges opened hearings to determine whether he should stand trial for crimes against humanity.

During the opening of the confirmation of charges proceedings in The Hague, Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang told the court that the hearings serve as a reminder that no individual is beyond the reach of international law. Judges will assess whether the evidence presented is sufficient to move forward to a full trial.

Duterte, 80, did not attend the opening session after the court approved his request to waive his right to be present during this stage of the proceedings. Prosecutors allege that he played a central role in a campaign of extrajudicial executions that began during his tenure as mayor of Davao and continued after he assumed the presidency in 2016. According to the prosecution, he not only endorsed lethal operations targeting suspected drug dealers and users but also personally identified certain individuals.

The former leader has strongly denied the accusations. His defense lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, argued that the evidence is insufficient and that the charges are politically motivated. Duterte, he said, maintains his innocence and rejects the prosecution’s interpretation of his public statements, some of which were widely criticized for their harsh rhetoric against criminal suspects.

Duterte was arrested in Manila in March 2025 under the administration of his successor, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and transferred to the Netherlands, where he is currently detained. The case includes multiple counts related to killings allegedly carried out between 2013 and 2018, both in Davao and nationwide.

Human rights organizations estimate that thousands of people died during the anti-drug operations, with many victims coming from impoverished communities. Prosecutors stressed that the charges under review represent only a portion of the alleged crimes.

Outside the court, groups of Filipino demonstrators gathered in support of and against Duterte. In Manila, relatives of victims followed the proceedings via live broadcast, expressing mixed emotions ranging from hope to frustration. Judges are expected to issue their decision within 60 days after the hearings conclude.