The Hague – The International Criminal Court (ICC) has publicly released a redacted version of the charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, detailing allegations of crimes against humanity stemming from his “war on drugs” both during his presidency and his time as mayor of Davao City.
The document, dated July 4, 2025, outlines 49 incidents involving murder and attempted murder.
The ICC document details three counts against Duterte. The first count involves murders in Davao City between 2013 and 2016, alleging Duterte’s involvement as an indirect co-perpetrator.
The second count concerns the murders of “high-value targets” across the Philippines between 2016 and 2017 during his presidency.
The third count involves murders and attempted murders during barangay clearance operations between 2016 and 2018, also alleging Duterte’s role as an indirect co-perpetrator. The release of the charges comes shortly after Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing was postponed due to his lawyer’s claim that he is “not fit to stand trial.”
The ICC alleges that Duterte and his “co-perpetrators” established a “National Network” comprising state actors and non-police assets to carry out killings of alleged criminals.
The document claims that some victims were listed on a “PRRD List,” with police receiving covert rewards for killing targets based on their assigned “value.” The ICC asserts that the attacks were “widespread” and “systematic,” demonstrating a clear pattern of violence against a civilian population.
