ICC Holds Duterte Hearing, Alleged Crimes Against Humanity in Philippines Drug War Draw Global Scrutiny
Daftar Isi
The hearings are being held at the ICC headquarters in The Hague, where judges are tasked with determining whether prosecutors have presented sufficient evidence to move the case forward to a full trial. ICC prosecutors argue that there are reasonable grounds to believe Duterte played a central role in a widespread and systematic campaign that led to thousands of deaths, allegedly carried out by law enforcement and affiliated groups.
The case traces back to Duterte’s rise to power in 2016, when he campaigned on a strong anti-drug platform, vowing to eliminate illegal drugs in the Philippines through aggressive measures. Shortly after taking office, his administration launched nationwide anti-drug operations involving police forces targeting suspected drug users and dealers across the country.
Over time, the campaign drew international attention as reports of rising death tolls surfaced. Numerous human rights organizations documented cases in which suspects were killed during police operations, often justified by authorities as acts of self-defense. However, critics and investigators raised concerns that many of these incidents constituted extrajudicial killings, forming the basis of international scrutiny.
The issue escalated as global human rights bodies and ICC member states called for accountability. Although the Philippines formally withdrew from the ICC in 2019, the court maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed between 2016 and 2019, when the country was still a member of the tribunal.
In building its case, ICC prosecutors compiled extensive evidence, including witness testimonies, official records, and independent investigation reports. Prosecutors argue that the pattern of killings was not random but part of an organized and systematic policy, which could meet the legal threshold for crimes against humanity under international law.
Duterte’s legal team, however, has strongly denied the allegations. They contend that the anti-drug campaign was a legitimate exercise of state authority aimed at protecting public safety and combating criminal networks. The defense also emphasized that Duterte has not been convicted of any crime and urged the court to ensure a fair and impartial legal process.
As of March 17, 2026, the proceedings remain at the pre-trial stage. ICC judges are expected to decide whether the case will proceed to a full trial, a decision that could have far-reaching implications for international justice and accountability, particularly in cases involving former heads of state accused of serious human rights violations.