The International Criminal Court (ICC) opened its first hearing on 23/1 to hear prosecutors present allegations against former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte. These allegations concern the anti-drug campaign launched during his tenure.

During the hearing, ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang stated that Duterte, both as mayor of Davao City and president of the Philippines, played a pivotal role in extrajudicial killings targeting alleged drug traffickers and users.

"Duterte directed the killings and personally selected some victims", Niang said at the hearing.

Supporters stood between two standees of Duterte outside the International Criminal Court headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands on 23/2. *Photo: AFP*

Duterte faces three charges of crimes against humanity. ICC prosecutors link him to at least 76 killings from 2013 to 2018, a fraction of the anti-drug campaign that killed thousands.

Prosecutor Julian Nicholls also screened a video during the hearing showing Duterte threatening to kill criminals. "This is evidence that the former Philippine president killed thousands of his own people", Nicholls said.

After hearing the prosecution's allegations, the panel of judges will have 60 days to decide whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a formal trial against Duterte. Duterte, 80 years old, was not present after the court approved his request for absence, even though the judges concluded he was fit to attend.

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte in Manila in 10/2024. *Photo: AFP*

At the hearing, Nicholas Kaufman, Duterte's defense lawyer, refuted the allegations made by the prosecutor. He called them "seriously misleading and politically motivated" information.

"He steadfastly maintains his innocence", Kaufman said. He accused the prosecution of "selectively editing" Duterte's speeches and stated that many speeches emphasized the importance of adhering to the law.

Authorities arrested the former Philippine president in Manila in 3/2025 on an ICC warrant. He was then transferred to the Netherlands and detained at Scheveningen prison, facing charges of crimes against humanity related to the war on drugs.

During his terms as mayor of Davao and president of the Philippines, Duterte launched the war on drugs. This campaign allowed police to shoot suspected drug offenders on sight without trial. Police reported the campaign resulted in over 6,000 deaths, but human rights groups estimate the actual number is in the tens of thousands.

By Duc Trung (AFP, AP, Reuters)