The International Criminal Court (ICC) has authorized 500 additional individuals to participate as recognized victims in the pre-trial proceedings related to the case of former President Rodrigo Duterte, significantly expanding victim representation ahead of the confirmation of charges on February 23.

In a “second decision” on victims’ participation and legal representation, ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I approved the applications after the Registry’s Victims Participation and Reparations Section assessed 227 submissions covering 500 applicants. These were classified under Group A, meaning they clearly met the court’s criteria to be considered victims in the case.

The Chamber noted that it found no material error in the Registry’s assessment and adopted a flexible approach in evaluating minor discrepancies in the applications. As a result, all 500 applicants were formally authorized to take part in the proceedings.

Earlier, the Chamber had already admitted 39 victims. With this latest approval, the number of participating victims has grown substantially, reflecting the ICC’s effort to broaden formal victim involvement as the case progresses.

The Chamber also clarified that the previously appointed common legal representatives for victims will continue to represent all admitted participants, ensuring organized and continuous legal representation during the upcoming confirmation hearings.