The International Criminal Court (ICC) Registry has formally confirmed the appointment of British lawyer Peter Haynes as the new counsel for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in his crimes against humanity case.

In a document dated May 15, 2026, the Registry informed Trial Chamber III that Duterte requested to be represented by Haynes, a King’s Counsel, in the proceedings before the court. The Registry said the appointment was confirmed on the same day following Haynes’ acceptance.

“The appointment has been confirmed by the Registry on 15 May 2026, following Counsel’s acceptance of the appointment,” the document read.

The confirmation follows a series of procedural developments earlier in May.

On May 8, Duterte’s former lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, filed a request before the chamber seeking permission to withdraw as counsel, in accordance with Regulation 78(1) of the Regulations of the Court.

In his request, Kaufman said Duterte had released him from his duties and expressed his intention to hire Haynes as replacement counsel.

Kaufman also told the chamber that Haynes had agreed to immediately assume representation and that the terms of engagement had already been settled. Trial Chamber III granted the request on May 11.

On May 13, Duterte signed the formal appointment of counsel, confirming Haynes as his legal representative before the ICC. Haynes accepted the mandate on the same day, as required under Article 11 of the court’s Code of Professional Conduct for Counsel.

The Registry then formalized the appointment on May 15, completing the transition in Duterte’s defense team.

Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his former administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign, which prosecutors allege resulted in widespread and systematic killings.

Proceedings before the ICC are ongoing.