Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have formally asked judges to admit the written testimony and related exhibits of a key witness identified as P-1100 in the case against former President Rodrigo Duterte.

In an eight-page filing, Acting Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang asked the court to allow the formal submission of P-1100’s prior recorded testimony and associated materials under the Rome Statute and the ICC’s Rules of Procedure and Evidence.

The prosecution also sought permission to conduct a focused supplementary examination of the witness in court.

According to the filing, admitting the prior recorded testimony would shorten P-1100’s live examination from about seven hours to two hours, saving at least five hours of court time and helping expedite the proceedings.

Prosecutors said the testimony is “relevant, reliable, and probative,” and primarily concerns matters that were redacted from the public filing.

The prosecution said the evidence is particularly relevant to allegations involving a policy to “neutralise” alleged criminals in the Philippines through violent crimes, including murder.

It also said P-1100’s testimony provides evidence concerning the alleged modus operandi of the Davao Death Squad, as well as Duterte’s alleged individual criminal responsibility, including his knowledge and intent.

The prosecution argued that admitting the prior recorded testimony would not prejudice Duterte’s rights because P-1100 would remain available for cross-examination by the defense.

The witness may also be questioned further by the ICC judges, the parties and the Common Legal Representatives of Victims, according to the filing.

Duterte, 81, is facing charges before the ICC over alleged crimes against humanity linked to his bloody anti-drug campaign and alleged killings during his time as Davao City mayor and later as president.