THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed all charges of crimes against humanity against former Philippine president Rodrigo Roa Duterte, paving the way for his trial over alleged killings linked to his controversial anti-drug campaign.
In a decision dated today, April 23, 2026, the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I ruled that there are “substantial grounds to believe” Duterte is criminally responsible for multiple counts of murder and attempted murder. The charges stem from alleged extrajudicial killings carried out between November 2011 and March 2019, covering his tenure as Davao City mayor and later as president.
The chamber found that the alleged crimes were committed as part of a “widespread and systematic attack” against civilians in the Philippines in connection with the government’s war on drugs.
With the confirmation of charges, the case will now proceed to trial before an ICC Trial Chamber, where prosecutors are expected to present evidence and witnesses to prove Duterte’s alleged role in orchestrating the killings.
Duterte, who was arrested in March 2025 and transferred to The Hague, has denied the accusations. His legal team has previously challenged the ICC’s jurisdiction and questioned the credibility of evidence presented by the prosecution.
Prosecutors, however, argue that Duterte played a central role in a coordinated campaign targeting individuals suspected of involvement in illegal drugs, resulting in thousands of deaths.
Human rights groups described the ICC’s move as a significant step toward accountability, with victims’ families expressing hope that the trial will deliver long-awaited justice.
The ICC has yet to set a date for the trial, which could take months to commence as preparations move forward.
