Manila, Philippines — On March 12, 2025, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested and detained in the International Criminal Court at the Hague, Netherlands over crimes against humanity charges linked with the alleged extra judicial killings that occurred under his administration’s war on drugs campaign.
After a whole year in detention and being subjected to pre-trial procedures, Duterte will be formally put into trial following ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I’s confirmation of all the charges against him.
Based on the decision dated April 23, the Pre-Trial Chamber I confirmed the three counts of murder and attempted murder filed against Duterte—who is accused of having criminal liability over the alleged killings.
Count 1 is in relation to the nine incidents of alleged killings of suspected criminals in Davao City, committed by the Davao Death Squad during Duterte’s mayoral terms.
Count 2 is for the five incidents of alleged killings if High Value Targets, like drug lords and syndicates, during Dutetre’s presidency. These individuals were among the PRRD list, publicly named by Duterte himself.
Count 3 is for the 35 incidents of murder and attempted murder of alleged low-level criminals during barangay clearance operations of authorities during Duterte’s presidency.
The now confirmed charges allege Duterte of indirect co-perpetuation in the crimes, crafting a common plan to neutralize suspected criminals and drug suspects.
Duterte is also accused of ordering or inducing, and in aiding and abetting in the crimes.
Based on the presented evidence during the confirmation hearing in February, ICC confirms all the charges and commits Duterte into a trial.
DEFENSE TO PREPARE FOR TRIAL, ARGUES NO SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE TO PROVE ALLEGATIONS VS. FPRRD
Amid the decision, lead defense counsel Atty. Nicholas Kaufman believes that there were no substantial grounds in the crimes accused of Duterte.
While there is already a decision, the defense shall now prepare for the trial, particularly in cross-examining the witnesses, aside from plans of requesting an appeal.
Kaufman said that he have already disclosed the decision to Duterte, who he described had a stoic reaction as they have no high hopes for the favorable decision.
The defense also jabbed at the Philippine government, saying that they are not hoping for any assistance from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who they accused of assisting in Duterte’s arrest and detention.
On the other hand, the Malacañang Palace welcomed the decision regarding Duterte’s case.
Palace Press Officer and Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said that this is a step towards justice—for Duterte if proven not guilty or for the justice of the believed victims.
The families of the victims also positively welcomed the decision of the Court.
Bayan Muna Chairman and counsel of some of the victims’ families said that this is a good and happy news for them who have long waited for justice.
They are now hoping that the Court will immediately hold the trial to achieve the justice long delayed.
Colmenares added that this should serve as a lesson for human rights violators that justice will prevail at the end.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News