THE Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has disclosed 219 new pieces of evidence to the defense team of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
These disclosures, detailed in filings submitted to Pre-Trial Chamber I on June 3rd and 4th, represent a formal handover of materials on May 30th. The evidence centers on Duterte’s administration’s anti-drug campaign, specifically focusing on “Barangay Clearance Operations,” which the prosecution alleges were part of a systematic assault against civilians.
The prosecution categorized the evidence into thematic packages, distinguishing between materials directly substantiating specific crimes and those intended to provide context for the defense.
The first disclosure (May 23rd) included 90 items, encompassing alleged crimes against humanity in the form of murder during these operations, as well as background materials to aid the defense’s understanding of the political and operational environment.
A subsequent, more extensive disclosure on May 30th added another 129 items, further detailing the alleged systematic nature of the killings and providing additional contextual evidence. The annexes detailing the content remain confidential to protect witnesses and victims.
These disclosures comply with ICC procedures, ensuring Duterte’s defense has adequate time and resources to prepare. The ICC’s confirmation of charges hearing, provisionally set for September 23rd, will determine if sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial.
Duterte, currently in custody at The Hague following the issuance of an arrest warrant, faces accusations of crimes against humanity related to his administration’s drug war (2016-2022). The ICC maintains jurisdiction despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2018.
