The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has formally submitted its provisional list of witnesses and provisional list of evidence to ICC Trial Chamber III in the ongoing crimes against humanity case against former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
The filing marks another key procedural milestone as the prosecution continues preparing its case ahead of the trial proceedings.
According to the ICC document, the submission was made in compliance with the chamber's earlier directive.
"Pursuant to the Chamber's order, the Prosecution hereby submits its Provisional List of Witnesses, appended as Annex A, and its Provisional List of Evidence, appended as Annex B," the filing stated.
The prosecution also requested that both annexes remain confidential, explaining that they contain sensitive information related to witnesses.
"Pursuant to regulation 23bis(1) of the Regulations of the Court, Annexes A and B are filed as confidential as both include sensitive witness information," the document read.
The filing further noted that the number of witnesses is expected to increase as investigations continue.
"The Prosecution notes that the number of witnesses is likely to increase from the Provisional List of Witnesses in light of the Prosecution's ongoing investigations," it stated.
Under the court's procedural timetable, prosecutors are expected to submit a more comprehensive witness list before the end of August.
"In accordance with the Directions on the Conduct of Proceedings, the Prosecution will provide the factors listed by the Chamber in its Final List of Witnesses on 31 August 2026," the filing said.
The prosecution added that the final submission will indicate whether individual witnesses will testify under Rule 68 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence and will include summaries of each witness's expected testimony.
The identities of the witnesses have not been disclosed, as the provisional witness and evidence lists remain confidential to protect those involved and preserve the integrity of the proceedings.
Former President Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity before the ICC in connection with alleged killings linked to his administration's anti-illegal drug campaign. The case remains before ICC Trial Chamber III, with both the prosecution and defense continuing to comply with the court's procedural schedule as pre-trial preparations move forward.
