The International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I has formally confirmed all charges of crimes against humanity against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, moving the case forward to full trial after concluding its review of evidence linked to the country’s anti-drug campaign.
The confirmation was issued on Thursday, April 23, following deliberations that finalized the Chamber’s assessment of whether there were substantial grounds to believe the accused committed the alleged crimes.
In a separate set of hearings held earlier this year, from February 23, 24, 26, and 27, the Chamber heard extensive arguments from the prosecution and defense during the confirmation of charges proceedings. These hearings examined evidence surrounding alleged killings during Duterte’s tenure as mayor of Davao City and later as president of the Philippines.
In its 50-page decision, the Chamber ordered the ICC Registry to transmit the ruling and complete record of proceedings to the ICC Presidency, formally advancing the case to trial.
The decision was signed by Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, Judge Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini Gansou, and Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera.
Duterte is charged with crimes against humanity, including murder and attempted murder, under Article 7 of the Rome Statute, in connection with alleged widespread and systematic attacks against civilians during the government’s “war on drugs.”
The charges are grouped into three counts:
Count 1: Murder in Davao City during his mayoral term (2013–2016), involving at least 19 alleged victims.
Count 2: Murder of alleged “high-value targets” nationwide during the presidential period (2016–2017), involving at least 14 victims.
Count 3: Murder and attempted murder during barangay clearance operations across the Philippines (2016–2018), involving at least 45 victims.
The Chamber also cited allegations of indirect co-perpetration and participation in a “common plan” involving alleged co-actors in the implementation of the anti-drug campaign.
With the confirmation now complete, the case proceeds to the ICC Trial Chamber, where Duterte will face full trial proceedings. The ICC emphasized that further scheduling and procedural steps will be determined by the assigned trial judges.
Duterte has repeatedly denied all allegations, maintaining that his administration’s anti-drug campaign was a legitimate law enforcement effort.
