FORMER president Rodrigo Duterte will stand trial for crimes against humanity after judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmed all charges linked to thousands of killings under his administration.
In a decision dated April 23, the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I ruled that there were “substantial grounds to believe” Duterte was responsible for murder and attempted murder under Article 7(1)(a) of the Rome Statute, citing a “widespread and systematic attack” against civilians from November 2011 to March 2019.
The decision was based on evidence presented in hearings held from February 23 to 27, 2026, as well as submissions and documents submitted by the parties, participants, including participating victims.
The ruling covers Duterte’s time as Davao City mayor and later as president, and follows a confirmation of charges hearing held in February, where prosecutors presented evidence on alleged extrajudicial killings during his “war on drugs.”
In a 50-page decision that came after ICC junked all appeals made by Duterte, the Chamber identified the charges against the former president:
- Count 1: Murder as a crime against humanity in Davao City during the mayoral period of at least the 19 victims in identified incidents between 2013 and around June 2016;
- Count 2: Murder as a crime against humanity of “high-value targets” in locations across the Philippines during the presidential period of at least the 14 victims of identified incidents, some time between July 2016 and July 2017; and
- Count 3: Murder and attempted murder as crimes against humanity in barangay clearance operations in locations across the country during the presidential period of at least 45 victims (43 murders and two attempted murders) of identified incidents, some time between July 2016 and September 2018.
The 81-year-old former leader, who has repeatedly denied the charges, has been detained at the ICC facility in The Hague in Netherlands since March 2025.
Trial proceedings to begin
With the confirmation of charges, the case now proceeds to trial.
The ICC Presidency will constitute a new Trial Chamber composed of three judges who were not part of the pre-trial panel.
READ: ICC prosecutors press 3 crimes against humanity charges vs Duterte
ICC prosecutors press 3 crimes against humanity charges vs Duterte
They will set the schedule and procedure including evidence disclosure and other preliminary matters.
Both the prosecution and defense may appeal the decision but should first obtain permission from the other chamber.
Under ICC rules, Duterte is expected to be present during the trial proceedings, subject to judicial determinations on specific arrangements.
Victims’ participation, legal safeguards
The court has authorized 539 victims to participate in the case, represented by a common legal team. Additional victims may still apply as proceedings continue.
The ICC stressed, however, that Duterte–like all accused persons–is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt and is entitled to full defense rights, including counsel, presentation of evidence, and protection against self-incrimination.
The ICC began its investigation in 2021, focusing on alleged crimes committed between 2011 and 2019.
