The International Criminal Court (ICC) has laid bare the charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte, accusing him of crimes against humanity tied to his bloody war on drugs.
According to a redacted court document released on September 22, Duterte is being held responsible for 49 incidents of murder and attempted murder — spanning his time as mayor of Davao City and later as President of the Philippines.
The document, dated July 4, 2025, was made public just a day before Duterte’s scheduled confirmation of charges hearing in The Hague. That hearing has since been postponed after his defense lawyer claimed Duterte was “not fit to stand trial.”
The Charges
The ICC prosecution alleges that Duterte was not just a bystander, but an indirect co-perpetrator — someone who ordered, encouraged, or allowed the killings to happen.
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Count 1: Murder as a crime against humanity in Davao City. Nineteen victims in nine separate incidents between 2013 and 2016, when Duterte was still mayor.
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Count 2: Murder of so-called “high-value targets” across the Philippines. Fourteen victims in five incidents during 2016 to 2017, when Duterte was already President.
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Count 3: Murder and attempted murder during barangay clearance operations nationwide. Forty-five victims, 43 of whom were killed, between 2016 and 2018.
The prosecution stressed that while 78 victims are listed, the real number of deaths was “significantly greater,” reflecting the widespread and systematic nature of the attacks.
A “Network of Perpetrators”
The ICC claims Duterte and his co-perpetrators created a network of killers — state actors like police, PDEA agents, NBI officers, and even prison officials, alongside hired hitmen and vigilantes.
This network, the document said, functioned much like the infamous Davao Death Squad (DDS), carrying out killings under a common plan.
Some victims were even placed on a so-called “PRRD List” — a kill list allegedly bearing Duterte’s initials. Targets were ranked from Level 1 to Level 5, with police officers who killed them receiving secret cash rewards ranging from ₱50,000 to ₱1 million.
Victims Branded as Criminals
In Davao, victims were often accused of being drug pushers or petty thieves.
As President, Duterte’s campaign expanded to target individuals branded as “high-value,” including those allegedly tied to drug syndicates.
According to the ICC, these attacks were not isolated events. They were widespread, systematic, and part of a deliberate pattern of violence against the civilian population.
This case marks one of the most significant international trials involving a Philippine leader, with the world closely watching how justice unfolds.
